AI toys for young children must be more tightly regulated, say researchers
12 hours ago
- #child development
- #AI toys
- #technology regulation
- A study by the University of Cambridge found that AI-powered toys struggle with social and pretend play, misunderstand children, and react inappropriately to emotions.
- Developmental psychologists are calling for tighter regulation of AI toys to ensure psychological safety, especially in sensitive relational areas like friendship.
- Researchers suggest new safety kitemarks for AI toys to improve consumer confidence, as many distrust tech companies' self-regulation.
- AI toys like Gabbo, Luka, and Grem were tested, revealing issues such as misreading emotions and failing to engage in pretend play.
- Concerns were raised that AI toys might weaken children's imaginative skills, as they no longer need to imagine scenarios on their own.
- Parents and practitioners worry about data privacy and the unknown long-term impacts of children confiding in AI toys.
- Curio, the maker of Gabbo, emphasized their commitment to child safety and welcomed research to improve AI toy design.