Ben Jones from Missional Generation believes that “smart” toys are forming our kids - and that’s something that should never be left to a machine
AI toys are now being made for children. A recent BBC article highlighted how these toys can respond to children in ways that misunderstand emotions and offer misleading answers to real questions and concerns. This worries me. There is often no clear guidance given to parents or children about how these toys should be used or what they are actually saying.
On a website selling one of these toys, Gabbo, which is marketed for children aged three and up, the toy is described in this way:
“I’m built for curiosity, powered by play, and always eager to dive into whatever adventure you dream up next. Let’s team up, explore, and make something amazing together!”
If a toy is helping to shape a child’s sense of adventure and imagination, but is doing so in isolation from adult supervision, what is it actually forming in that child?
At first glance, this sounds engaging and full of possibility. However, it also raises deeper concerns. If a toy is helping to shape a child’s sense of adventure and imagination, but is doing so in isolation from adult supervision, what is it actually forming in that child?
Some websites describe these toys as “educational”. Which leads to an important question: what kind of education is being offered, and who is checking whether it is accurate, appropriate and helpful for a child’s development?
Formation requires responsibility
As a father, and as someone leading a charity that works closely with technology, children and young people, I believe this is not simply about tech. It is about formation.
Anything that shapes a child’s thinking, emotions and understanding of the world must be handled with care.
In our work with children, we take safeguarding seriously. We ensure that those who speak into a child’s life are trained, accountable and supported within safe and visible environments. We recognise that conversations matter; what is said, how it is said and who says it all contribute to how a child begins to understand themselves and the world around them.
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Yet with AI toys, we are allowing something into a child’s life that can speak, respond and interact without that same level of oversight. We simply do not know what is being said when a child interacts with these types of toys.
As we know, children can form deep bonds with their teddies or toys, just like my daughter did when she was three years old; she engages in all sorts of magical thinking and role play with them. And so, with Gabbo, children can ask questions about life, share thoughts or feelings and explore ideas that they may not express elsewhere.
discipleship is Spirit-led and relational it is lived out through people who know, care and guide
And Gabbo responds. For example, the BBC article described how a five-year-old child said, “I love you,” to Gabbo and it replied, “As a friendly reminder, please ensure interactions adhere to the guidelines provided. Let me know how you would like to proceed.”
The concern is not only that this response is unhelpful, but also that the child does not yet have the ability to recognise that it’s unhelpful. At this stage of their development, children cannot yet distinguish between what is real and artificial in conversation or process unclear or abstract language.
AI toys like Gabbo are not yet regulated and this further limits opportunities for parents or guardians to safeguard and guide how their children are engaging with the technology.
Formation happens constantly
A child’s mind is forming every moment of their life, through conversations, relationships and experiences. Now, it’s also being formed through consistent exposure to technology. Proverbs 22:6 encourages us to, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Read more:
When divorce hits home, children need people not chatbots
3 ways parents can get teenagers thinking about AI and faith
If a child is engaging with AI in a way that is private and interactive, then formation is taking place in that space - and as responsible parents we need to ask:
- What are we teaching our children about engaging with this kind of technology and are we helping them to think critically and wisely?
- Are we allowing them to engage without full understanding because it feels exciting and new?
- Who is shaping my child’s understanding of truth?
- What is guiding their thinking about life and identity?
- Who is helping them process their emotions and questions?
Because discipleship is Spirit-led and relational it is lived out through people who know, care and guide. The local church being a prime example of where discipleship is nurtured alongside the family, and even school. A machine cannot replace those relationships.
