The rapid rise of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) means we are now seeing GenAI designed and marketed for direct use by young children through toys. This report details research findings from our AI in the Early Years project, which aimed to provide a scientific basis for identifying the impacts, risks, and opportunities of GenAI toys designed for children aged five and under.
The early years are a unique developmental stage during which children develop key social and emotional skills, and we therefore approached this research with the understanding that impacts of GenAI in these areas could provide exciting developmental opportunities but also put children at risk during an important developmental period.
What to expect from this report
Evidence on young children’s play with GenAI toys
Approaching these questions from a developmental perspective, we provide a unique view of young children’s interactions with GenAI. Through three research studies, including a scoping review of the scientific literature, an examination of perspectives from the early years sector, and direct observations of young children playing with a GenAI toy, we provide initial evidence on the implications of GenAI for young children.
Research-informed recommendations
Focusing on how key groups can approach and manage the rise in GenAI toys for young children, our research findings inform the recommendations presented in this report for families, early years practitioners, toy developers, language model providers, and regulators and policymakers. Each of these groups must recognise the unique importance of early years as a distinct developmental stage and consider potentially disproportionate impacts on children from disadvantaged backgrounds:
- Families should play together, creating opportunities for age-appropriate discussions on how GenAI works, appropriate relationships with GenAI toys, and differences between GenAI and real people.
- Early years practitioners can apply their expertise to informing families of developmental considerations and ensuring intentional and appropriate use of GenAI for children in their settings.
- Toy developers must ensure that GenAI toys designed for young children are fostering social play with other humans, providing appropriate emotional responses, and engaging in pretend play.
- Language model providers should grant, monitor, and revoke access to their models, ensuring that third-party toy developers are integrating models in an age-appropriate manner.
- Regulators and policymakers should be aware of the key characteristics of early years development, including social and emotional learning and the prominence of play, regulating to ensure children’s psychological safety.
