There was a point in the not-too-distant past where smart devices were expensive, exclusive, and fragile. Now, however, most households have multiple smart devices. As the technology advanced, affordable and durable systems popped up all over the market.
Smart toys bring a younger generation into the technological world. But the question arises whether or not these smart toys are more trouble than they are worth.
What Are Smart Toys?
Smart toys refer to engaging and customizable electronic devices integrated by artificial intelligence. Using sensors, speakers, cameras, microphones, or keyboards allows kids to create their own play experience. They give children a jump-start into technology and act as a valuable educational tool, introducing critical modern skills like programming.
Popular smart toys include things like the Twin Science Autonomous Vehicle Kit, programmable self-driving car kids build themselves, and LEGO VIDIYO, an augmented reality platform that lets youngsters make their music videos with their LEGO. Even AI companions teach kids math, science, and languages while relaying activities to parents.
Smart toys may need internet connection to perform many of their features. Some use it to conduct searches to find out the weather or various trivia. Others use online connection to update the software, so kids get the most out of their devices.
Smart toys can further offer parental controls to allow for remote monitoring.
Are Smart Toys a Security Risk?
Although most smart toys don’t let kids surf the web, internet connection does raise some security concerns. These services meant to upgrade traditional toys come with risks that your grandparents’ toys didn’t have.
Many toys come with parental features to help parents monitor their kids. Services like location tracking, live video feeds, and voice message streams offer parents a way to interact with their children from wherever they are. Unfortunately, some also open the door for other people to interact with their children.
It’s important to point out that smart toy companies put a lot of effort and resources into their security measures. Different companies put in more effort than others—so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the basics of cybersecurity to understand what a particular toy boasts.
They should design software around facilitating a safe environment for children that gives parents peace of mind. These measures make hacking into most of the devices very difficult (but unfortunately yet naturally, not impossible). If something connects to the internet, it is vulnerable to cyberattacks via that avenue.
Notable examples of cyberattacks on children’s smart items include people hacking into toys to communicate with children. It's the same classic concern many have had when it comes to nanny cams and baby monitors. The surveillance and interactive features aiming to offer security to parents instead become their worst nightmare.
Although the chances these attacks could harvest any significant information are slim, it does not mean there's no damage. While hacking smart toys is not the best way to obtain social security or banking information, it is a way for sinister individuals to spy on kids or wider households.
Do Children Need Smart Toys?
Are these advanced toys a necessity? Do the negatives outweigh the positives?
While kids don’t need them, there are many benefits to giving children these technological toys. Smart devices are everywhere, and there's nothing wrong with embracing that, even at a young age.
Giving your child an early introduction to technology helps prepare them for the real world. It also is a great way to encourage your children to explore STEM fields and give them a jump-start with their studies.
Of course, you don’t need to give your child a smart toy for them to grow up smart or loving science. This personal decision is a matter of weighing the pros and cons. And there are some simple tips parents follow to do this safely.
How to Use Smart Toys Safely
Although some security breaches are unavoidable, there are a few things parents may consider to make sure their smart toys are safe.
Conduct Your Own Research
Researching the company who makes your children’s toys is always a good idea.
Look into whether or not this particular manufacturer has a history of security breaches. You may even find reviews from ethical hackers who have challenged the security of toys. Don't rely solely on reviews on the company's website as these could be filtered or even fake.
Learn what data different toys are collecting. Do these toys record videos or allow children to connect to social media platforms? Are they Bluetooth accessible or track locations? Consider looking into what cybersecurity measures the company took to secure the toy and any information they do collect.
Supervise Playtime
Depending on the age of your child, supervising playtime is important. It helps let you see exactly what they're doing with their smart toy and whether or not strange behaviors ring any alarm bells.
If you notice anything astray, confiscate the toy and contact the manufacturer.
Talk About Internet Safety
Above all, one thing smart toys do is open up the early opportunity to talk about internet safety with your children. This is an important conversation to have. Let your children know which online behaviors are worrying and encourage them to talk to you directly about any concerns or things that don't seem quite right.
Be sure to let them know that they are not in any trouble. It’s important they let you know about scary indicators that something's amiss, such as unknown voices interacting with them.
Should My Child Play With Smart Toys?
Giving children smart toys is a personal choice. While there are many benefits to having smart systems, there are some privacy risks you should be aware of.
Taking the time to educate yourself, and them, about cybersecurity and doing your research into the products you buy is a great way to keep your children safe during playtime.