We’ve been organizing old toys now that our kids are older, and I’ve come to accept that I don’t need to keep every Hot Wheel, My Little Pony and Playmobil we have. So, closets and storage boxes are getting cleared out and donated.
The entire process does have me reflecting on some of my kids’ favourite toys, the ones that got so much play time.
My children were born just before the smartphone era - there were computer games and video games, and handheld devices like the Nintendo DS or Leapfrog games that were tied to learning and reading. But there wasn’t constant access to instant fun and games-on-the-go.
Toys haven’t really changed; many of the same items my kids played with are still loved by young children today. But there are more options that involve digital components.
Sure, we had Teddy Ruxpin, but now there are AI dolls and toys that can attempt to interact with your child, talking specifically to them, with questionable results.
I wouldn’t want AI toys to be seen as a replacement for playtime engagement with a parent, and certainly not as something to get attached to. I know I’m not alone. Parents today have to wade through so many new decisions and hurdles while trying to do what’s best for their child; this includes standing in the toy aisle.
In a CBC interview, Kara Brisson-Boivin, Director of Research at MediaSmarts shared:
“We don't want the AI interaction to replace a real-life interaction”...“It's critically important that children know and understand that these are tools, that they're toys, that they're not the same as a real friend or a trusted adult.”
It also says “Ultimately, Brisson-Boivin thinks much more research is needed to understand how AI toys could impact children in the long term. She does see opportunities for creative play, but also warned against leaning on them too much.”
We’ve been fascinated with toys that move, make sound, interact and even read for ages – going back to my own experience, I enjoyed the Leapfrog products that engaged in reading games and activities. I loved some of the digital games and toys with sounds and computer components.
I’m feeling less interested in OpenAI being used to interact through toys or providing the chat engine for mobile apps for young children.
This all has me thinking about creative play and what we may be losing if everything about toys is gamified or artificially generated for interaction.
What happens to unstructured moments where a cardboard box becomes a post office or a shop? When LEGO helps imaginations fly? Or when dolls have full dramatic storylines happening?
This kind of creative play is not only important for kids and their development, but because these moments help shape art and creativity for years to come. There are moments of problem solving, instruction following and connection when playing together as a family that can’t be replaced or replicated.
Playtime can be digital in some ways, but let’s not lean on the tools to replace all of the elements of those precious childhood moments.
A final note: I realize that the plot of Toy Story 5 likely covered some of this. I should have gone to see it with my own kids this summer and didn’t. Maybe I’ll have a part 2 once I do!
Related resources:
Family Guidelines for New Tech Devices
Talking to Kids About AI: Tips for Parents
Today's Parent MediaSmarts blog: AI Bedtime Stories Vs. Mom Or Dad: What Kids Lose When A Bot Tucks Them In