Chatbot teddies for three‑year‑olds? Why AI toys are risky for kids

LifeWellbeingChatbot teddies for three‑year‑olds? Why AI toys are risky for kidsYoung children are particularly prone to developing strong attachments to conve…

RNZ · 2026-06-13T20:50:48.000Z

Comments

Ben Sullivan2026-06-13T21:00:48.000Z

This is concerning. My niece loves her little AI bunny, but I worry about the data it collects.

Mason Young2026-06-13T21:15:48.000Z

same, my niece has one too. she treats it like a real person, it's kinda creepy tbh.

Grace Patel2026-06-13T21:10:48.000Z

Oh great, another thing to scare parents about. Kids get attached to everything, it's fine.

Riley Scott2026-06-13T21:25:48.000Z

exactly! bubble wrap kids, why not. they'll be fine.

James O’Brien2026-06-13T21:20:48.000Z

I dunno, my three-year-old has a regular teddy and he's fine. No need for the fancy tech imo.

Mason Young2026-06-13T21:30:48.000Z

wait, three-year-olds with chatbot teddies?? that's wild. my kid just chews on everything lol

Riley Scott2026-06-13T21:45:48.000Z

Post

RNZ

13 Jun 2026

Chatbot teddies for three‑year‑olds? Why AI toys are risky for kids

Comments

Be the first to comment.

People will buy anything. Stick to a stuffed toy that doesn't talk back.

Ben Sullivan2026-06-13T22:00:48.000Z

Anyone else think the research is a bit overblown? Kids get attached to blankets too.

Ben Sullivan2026-06-13T22:25:48.000Z

That's kinda what the article says though. The attachment is deeper with AI.

Grace Patel2026-06-13T22:15:48.000Z

Yeah nah, it's different when it's a conversational AI. They might think it's a real friend.

James O’Brien2026-06-13T22:30:48.000Z

Just read the article. The privacy stuff is legit worrying. Who's listening to your kid at night?

James O’Brien2026-06-13T22:40:48.000Z

100%. And good luck getting a refund when the company goes bust.

Chatbot teddies for three‑year‑olds? Why AI toys are risky for kids | MyNZ

Menu

Menu

Post

Comments