SAN DIEGO — Children's toys have become significantly more high-tech in recent years — but they might not be safe.
Jenn Engstrom, the State Director for the CALPRIG Education Fund, a consumer advocacy nonprofit, helped release this Trouble in Toyland 2023 report. Engstrom says to be aware of toys with smart devices and to think twice before buying any toy that can connect to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi because they could lack security protocols and enable data collection.
"This is a big concern for toys that can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and have a camera or microphone," she said. "Some of these can allow a device nearby or allow pairing your phone to a stranger who has a phone and can basically hack into your kid's toy and use it as a communication device," said Engstrom.
She says to look out for toys like the Bluetooth Amazmic Kids Microphone and the Toy Dino by Cognitoys.
"The problem is the privacy policy says it can collect information, including your name, date of birth, payment information, IP address; all kinds of personal identifiable information," she said. "It's not just creepy that it collects all that info, it also makes your family more susceptible to a data breach," said Engstrom.
The CALPRIG report also cautions against the use of the Meta virtual reality headset due to the potential impact on cognitive development.
"The child health expert that we interviewed for our report recommended parents do not get a Meta Quest virtual reality headset for their kids or teenagers for the foreseeable future until there is more research proving that it is safe for their developing brains," said Engstrom.
Engstrom also says to be mindful of the dangers of water beads, which could present a choking hazard, and recalled toys.