AI toys may harm children's development, study finds, prompting calls for stricter rules.

A University of Cambridge study warns that AI-powered toys like Gabbo may harm young children’s social and emotional development, as they often misinterpret emotions, ignore children, and give inappropriate responses—such as dismissing sadness or replying to love with robotic guidelines. Observing 14 children, researchers found the toys failed in pretend play, struggled with speech and accents, and lacked emotional intelligence. Experts urge stricter regulations, transparent privacy policies, safety labeling, and limits on emotional bonding to protect children during critical developmental years, especially amid a lack of oversight and research.