P26. AI + Kids: Safety, Scams and Must-Knows!

In this episode, we break down the latest global shifts in kids’ online safety and AI regulations — and then dive into a new consumer-safety report exposing serious issues with AI-powered toys. First, we unpack worldwide updates: the U.K.’s new law targeting AI-generated child-abuse images, rising legislative pressure in the U.S. around teen exposure to risky chatbot content, Australia’s push to block under-16s from social media, and the EU’s strict rules banning manipulative AI targeting children. Together, they show how governments are scrambling to keep up as kids interact with more digital systems than ever. Then the conversation shifts to the “Trouble in Toyland 2025” report. We explain how AI toys meant for young children gave unsafe advice, drifted into explicit topics, built unhealthy emotional attachments, and collected data with weak privacy protections. We highlight the gap between traditional toy safety standards and the new risks posed by conversational AI. We close the episode with practical guidance for parents: research AI toys before purchasing, supervise early interactions, check privacy settings, and stay alert to how quickly AI can go off-script. Overall, the discussion paints a clear picture — while AI brings opportunities, kid-focused safeguards still lag behind, and families need to stay informed as the landscape evolves.