Artificial Intelligence in toys: A danger for the psychological health of young children

Whilst the National Academy of Medicine warns of the risks associated with toys that can hold conversations thanks to AI, “Ary” – the ultra-connected soft toy (see picture) – is now appearing on the shelves amongst the latest children’s toys.
    Half panda, half bird – the new soft toy presents itself as a friend for children, with whom they can learn, play and cuddle, who answers their questions and chats with them. The toy, manufactured entirely in France, was developed by the company Lookiz and has a module in its tummy that gives it access to the internet and, with it, to all possibilities of creative ideas – at a price of 99.99 euros. With the ability to cover 3,000 conversation topics, the soft toy “Ary” is already almost sold out. As it brings itself into the world of entertainment and children’s play areas, children can learn all sorts of things – for example, 35 foreign languages or the positions of the planets – whilst also stimulating their imagination with interactive stories.
    These toys are currently experiencing a real boom and captivate users with their ability to communicate (in writing or verbally) and build a personal relationship with children. As they are used from an early age by children and young people, who are naturally imaginative, they tend to attribute human characteristics to these objects.

A worrying potential for addiction

The extreme personalisation of the relationship with the child creates the impression of a superficial friendship. However, we know that children need interpersonal interactions for their development. In its report, the Academy of Medicine warns parents, pointing out that these AI-equipped toys pose a risk of cognitive and emotional dependence for children and young people on the performance of the algorithms, as well as the risk of replacement of family-based educational standards.

Dangerous information passed on to children

Whilst some paediatricians, psychologists and speech therapists criticised the fact that certain toys unhesitatingly explain to children where to find knives and how to light matches, others highlighted sensitive issues relating to sexuality that are unsuitable for children in their age and which shock their sensitivity and innocence. Another danger that has been highlighted is the use of talking soft toys as trusted conversation partners, as this belief can lead to the reinforcement of anxiety-inducing or morbid thoughts, or to high-risk behaviour.
    One must admit, however, that parents have already delegated part of their responsibility to screens: In the underground, on a plane or in a restaurant – if you want a child to stay quiet, you’re likely to pull out a smartphone or a tablet. What, then, are we to make of AI-powered toys, which carry the risk that some parents might abandon their parental duties even further! •

References:
Statement by the National Academy of Medicine (France) dated 28 November 2025
La Presse of 18 July 2026: “AI-powered toys not recommended by child protection organisations”
Humanum: The impact of emotional AI and digital toys on child development (25 May 2021)
Desmurget, Michel. The Factory of the Digital Fool: The Dangers of Screens for Our Children. Seuil Publishers

(Translation Current Concerns)