Smart toys and online safety: What parents should know

Smart speakers that read bedtime stories. Dolls that respond to your child’s questions. Robots that help with math homework. Toys have come a long way from board games and action figures. Many of today’s “smart toys” connect to the internet, collect information and adapt to kids’ preferences in ways that feel magical.

But that same connectivity also raises important questions like: Who else can hear?, Where is the data going? and What can parents do to keep playtime fun and safe?

This guide breaks down the risks and gives practical steps to make sure smart toys are used safely at home.

What exactly are smart toys?

Smart toys are devices designed for children that connect to the internet, Bluetooth or apps to deliver interactive experiences. Some popular categories include:

• Interactive dolls, action figures and plush toys that record voice and respond to commands.
• STEM learning robots that connect to Wi-Fi or teach coding and problem-solving.
• Wearables for kids such as fitness trackers or smartwatches with GPS.
• Learning tablets and devices with games and apps designed for younger audiences.
• Augmented reality (AR) or VR headsets marketed for kids.

Parents often choose these toys for their educational value, convenience or because they promise to keep kids engaged longer. And while many do deliver on that promise, their internet connection makes them fundamentally different from traditional toys.

The risks parents should know about

Smart toys aren’t just plastic and batteries anymore. They’re tiny computers with microphones, cameras and data storage. And while they aren’t “bad” by nature, they do introduce risks worth understanding. Here are some parents should keep in mind:

1. Data privacy concerns

Many smart toys collect personal details such as a child’s name, age, birthday or even voice recordings. While this might help personalise the experience, it also raises concerns about how that information is stored and who it’s shared with. Back in 2017, the German regulator Bundesnetzagentur banned the doll “My Friend Cayla” because its unsecured Bluetooth connection allowed strangers to eavesdrop on children.

2. Security vulnerabilities

Like any connected device, smart toys can be hacked. Hackers don’t necessarily target individual families, but they often exploit weak security across thousands of devices at once. Regardless, the outcome is the same – private moments no longer feel private.

3. Exposure to inappropriate content

Some toys connect to the open web or apps. If controls aren’t in place, children may stumble across content that’s not age-appropriate, be it unsuitable games, ads or videos.
Worry about your children viewing inappropriate content? Take a look at home GO Secure Net can help protect you and your loved ones.

4. Behavioural risks

Beyond data security, there’s also the question of balance. Several studies emphasise that while interactive toys can support learning, they shouldn’t replace unstructured, imaginative play or human interaction. Kids still need downtime and face-to-face connection.

5. Unwanted interactions

If a toy includes voice chat or messaging features, there’s a risk of strangers exploiting the platform. In fact, interactive chat features posed a heightened risk of grooming.

6. Long-term digital footprints

Every online interaction adds to a child’s digital presence. A smart toy collecting information at age five could contribute to a profile that exists well before a child is old enough to consent.

Red flags when choosing a smart toy

Not every smart toy is created equal and some come with warning signs parents should spot early. Be cautious of toys with unclear or missing privacy policies, as this usually means you don’t know how your child’s data is being used. Always-on microphones or cameras should also raise concern, since they can capture more than you intend. If a toy doesn’t include parental control options, you’ll have little say over its features or content. Likewise, avoid devices that don’t receive regular software updates, as they’re more vulnerable to security flaws. Finally, think critically about the information a toy asks for. For instance, if it requests GPS tracking, that’s a clear red flag.

How parents can protect their kids

Here are some concrete steps you can take to protect your child while still letting them enjoy the benefits of smart play:

Research before you buy

Before purchasing a smart toy, take a few minutes to search the toy’s name along with words like “security,” “privacy” or “data breach.” This quick check often reveals if other parents or researchers have flagged problems, such as weak security or questionable practices.

Check the privacy policy

It’s not the most exciting read, but it’s important. A good policy should clearly explain what data is collected, how long it’s stored and whether it’s shared with third parties. If the language is vague or missing entirely, that’s a signal to reconsider.

Secure your home network

Just like you wouldn’t give guests full access to your work computer, don’t let smart toys share the same Wi-Fi your laptops and phones use. Setting up a guest Wi-Fi network creates a safety buffer so that if the toy is compromised, your personal devices stay protected.

Use strong passwords

Many smart toys link to apps or online accounts. Avoid reusing old or simple passwords and instead, choose unique, complex ones that are harder to crack. A password manager can help keep track of them if you have several devices.

Keep devices updated

Manufacturers release updates to fix vulnerabilities, so enable automatic firmware and app updates whenever possible. A toy that’s never updated is more likely to become an easy target for hackers.

Limit personal info

Be selective about what details you provide. For example, using a nickname instead of a full name reduces exposure if data is ever leaked and if a birthday isn’t necessary, leave it blank. These small steps add up to better protection.

Switch toys off when not in use

If a toy comes with a microphone, camera or constant listening function, get into the habit of turning it off after playtime. Doing so not only protects privacy but also conserves battery life.

Teach kids about safe play and smart toys

Children don’t need to know the technical details like data breaches or cybersecurity threats, but they should understand the basics, such as that some toys connect to the internet, just like a phone or computer and that means not sharing personal information. A simple explanation can go a long way in building lifelong digital awareness, while framing it as part of everyday safety, just like not talking to strangers, you build awareness without scaring them.

Smart toys can also be a great way to start conversations with children about digital safety. For example:

• Explain in kid-friendly terms: “This toy is fun, but it also talks to the internet. We don’t tell the internet our secrets.”
• Practice together: role-play situations where the toy might ask for personal information and teach your child how to respond.
• Encourage openness: make sure your child knows they can come to you if something strange happens with their toy.

The world of smart toys is evolving quickly and with every new gadget comes both fresh opportunities and new challenges. While risks like data privacy and security are real, they can be managed with informed choices and simple precautions. Think of it as teaching your children how to ride a bike – with a helmet, some guidance and your watchful eye, the ride becomes far safer. By staying aware and involved, parents can make sure connected play remains a source of curiosity, creativity and safe exploration.