"Trouble in Toyland" Press Conference Raises Toy Safety Concerns

By Julia Wojcik

Toys that should bring joy to young children may instead pose a danger and introduce toxins into the home. That was the main message of the United States Public Interest Research Group's (U.S. PIRG) Education Fund's 40th "Trouble in Toyland" report. Citing the harmful use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), cheap knockoffs, and the toxic components of toys shipped from overseas, the New York division held a press conference to warn the general public, especially parents, to think twice before making a purchase during this holiday season. 

NYPIRG interns and guest speakers at the conference. (Photo by Julia Wojcik)

The press conference was held in the Purchase College Humanities Building Lobby on Thursday, Nov. 20, during which representatives of the group and invited guests spoke to the public about these dangers and tips on how to pick the right toys. 

"What's especially concerning this year are the new toys with AI capabilities flooding the market. Many offer little to no clarity about how they collect or use children's data and have very limited parental control options," said Matthew Paolucci, the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) project coordinator. "With the holiday shopping season approaching, we're holding this press conference to make sure people know about these risks."

Francisca Schmalz, a sophomore political science major and NYPIRG student leader, brought attention to the specifics of AI in children's toys and shared a video of an experiment done on these toys. "We tested three AI toys that are currently on the market to see how they work and if they have obvious problems. We found that they do." 

The video shown to the audience heavily emphasized inappropriate content and addictive designs that are continuously harmful to kids. This included the use of cameras in toys, the AI wanting to know private information, and how easy it is to influence a younger child to do something they might not want to. 

Francisca Schmalz presenting the video about the experiment. (Photo by Julia Wojcik)

"This report shines a light on the toy industry and the need for meaningful regulatory change. The Trouble in Toyland report is not just a publication, it's a warning," said Christine Fils-Aime, the director of constituent services and community Affairs from the office of Senator Shelley Mayer. The message from Senator Mayer highlighted that "childhood should be full of imagination, not exposure to toxic chemicals, hazardous parts or hidden dangers in AI-powered toys. Most importantly, what we must do that this report does well is that education awareness saves lives; when we know better, we do better." 

"Of particular concern is that some AI toys have an addictive design that includes a loop that may impact social-emotional regulation," said Janine O'Connor, chief program officer for the Child Care Council of Westchester, on how she thinks these toys impact children's developmental years. "This is compounded by the growing overuse of screen time, which slows children's physical, language and emotional development. It is simply wrong to provide children with toys we know will hinder their growth."

Posters presented by NYPIRG interns explaining the reports' findings. (Photo by Julia Wojcik)

But what can be done in order to prevent this from happening this holiday season? Aaron George, a junior computer science major and a NYPIRG consumer justice intern, shared strategies that gift buyers can utilize when shopping online. These included doing your homework on websites, inspecting the quality, identifying real labels, looking out for recalls and checking for choking hazards. 

The conference closed with a reminder to all that safe holidays start with safe choices, and that informed consumers can be the start of a ripple effect far beyond New York.