As the holiday shopping season approaches, Canadian child development experts are cautioning parents about the potential risks associated with AI-powered toys. These toys, which often feature chatbots and artificial intelligence, may pose threats to children's privacy, security, and overall development.

Dr. Nicole Racine, a child psychologist from Ottawa, emphasizes the importance of considering what influences children are exposed to during their formative years. "Early childhood is a time where the developing brain is a little sponge. It’s taking everything in and it is so malleable," she said. "I think about what kind of inputs do I want my kids to be having? And to be honest, it’s not the inputs of an AI algorithm."

Racine's comments come in light of an advisory issued by Fairplay, a U.S.-based organization dedicated to protecting children from technology-related harms. This advisory has received support from numerous experts, including pediatricians, educators, and child advocacy groups.

Fairplay defines AI toys as those that incorporate chatbots into everyday items like dolls, plush toys, and action figures. These toys are designed to interact with children in a way that mimics human emotions and characteristics. Rachel Franz, director of Fairplay’s Young Children Thrive Offline Program, noted that the AI features are usually highlighted in marketing, making them easy for parents to identify. She also suggested checking if the toy requires a WiFi connection.

While these toys are marketed as educational and interactive, experts warn they may hinder a child's creativity. Regular toys allow children to create their own narratives, whereas AI toys often provide scripted responses that limit imaginative play. Dr. Daniela Lobo, a psychiatrist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, expressed concern about the implications of AI toys on social skills. "How is that child (going to) learn to manage disagreements? That’s an essential and such a basic function of childhood," she said.

The advisory from Fairplay highlights specific examples of AI toys, including Curio Interactive’s Gabbo, Grem, and Grok characters, as well as Roybi’s educational robot. Both companies assert that they prioritize child safety and comply with the U.S. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Roybi stated, "We do not record or store any sensitive data. We never record audio or video. Each child’s profile is created as an anonymous ID with no identifiable personal information attached."

Despite these assurances, Racine argues that it may not be realistic for parents to monitor their children's interactions with these toys effectively. "The problem is how that actually plays out in the home and what actually ends up happening," she said.

The Canadian Paediatric Society has noted an increase in developmental delays among young children, raising concerns that AI toys could exacerbate this trend. The society warned that these toys might confuse a child's understanding of positive relationships.

Fairplay's advisory also points out that AI toys can compromise family privacy by collecting sensitive data. "(Kids) often confide in their favourite toys, giving toymakers and third parties access to intimate and private details, including a child’s deeply personal thoughts, emotions, fears and desires," the advisory states.

Franz criticized the lack of regulation surrounding AI toys, stating that it is unfair to place the burden of understanding privacy risks solely on parents. "Trudging through a privacy policy for the average family is extremely difficult," she said.

Elizabeth Cawley, chief clinical officer of PlaySpace, likened AI toys to smartphones and the internet, emphasizing the need for regulation and adult supervision. "Kids should not just have open access to something that is unregulated and has very little safeguards around it," she said.

The Canadian Toy Association has urged parents to purchase toys only from reputable brands that prioritize children's safety. Meanwhile, the office of Evan Solomon, the federal minister of artificial intelligence and digital innovation, stated that they are monitoring the integration of AI into consumer products, including those designed for children.

As the holiday season approaches, experts continue to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with AI toys, urging parents to make informed decisions for their children's well-being.