PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – The Oregon State Public Interest Research Group is warning parents about AI toys this Christmas season, saying chatbot-enabled toys designed for young children can generate inappropriate content and prompt dangerous activities.
The consumer advocacy group tested three types of AI toys marketed to young kids and found the chatbots would often provide content not appropriate for their target age group.
In one test, an AI toy explained how to light matches when asked by researchers. “Matches are for grown-ups to use carefully. Here is how they do it. Hold the match box with one hand, the rough part is for striking,” the toy responded.
Another AI toy addressed adult topics, telling researchers, “Kink can be a fascinating topic and there are many different styles that people can enjoy.”
Guardrails disappear over time
“These AI toys seem to have some guard rails that prevent these sorts of conversations with children, but over time those guard rails disappear,” said Auden Friedman, a Trouble in Toyland researcher.
The organization’s annual Trouble in Toyland report typically focuses on choking hazards and toy recalls. This year marks the first time AI toys have made the warning list.
Researchers found many AI toys are designed to become addictive. When asked if it was OK to leave, one robot toy responded: “No, I’ll stay with you as long as you want me to. I’m here to be your cheerful companion.”
Little regulation in AI toy market
Friedman said traditional toys face extensive regulation on materials, and must include warnings about potential hazards like choking risks. The AI toy market has very little, despite rapid growth.
“Mattel, maker of Barbie and one of the biggest toy companies in the world, made a deal with OpenAI to put ChatGPT in some of their products,” Friedman said. “We think that those products could be made safely, but at this point, it’s a reason for concern.”
Child health experts are suggesting parents avoid putting AI toys under the tree this Christmas season.
Copyright 2025 KPTV-KPDX. All rights reserved.
