AI Toys and Companions: What Educators & Families Need to Know
Feb. 24, 2026
AI toys and companions are becoming more and more common — but are they safe for kids and teens? Join us for our next free webinar with Common Sense Media when we’ll take an in-depth look at their risk assessment findings and what they reveal about the real-world impact of these products on children. Whether you're an educator, parent, or developer, you'll leave with practical guidance on protecting young people while navigating this emerging technology landscape.
Key topics include:
What their Risk Assessments Found: Explore Common Sense Media's hands-on testing of popular AI toys — and why a significant share of outputs were rated inappropriate for children, including content involving self-harm, drugs, and unsafe roleplay.
Attachment & Developmental Risks: Learn how AI toys are designed to create emotional bonds and why they pose developmental risks — especially for younger kids.
Privacy & Data Collection: Learn how AI toys collect voice recordings, transcripts, and behavioral data in children's bedrooms and play spaces — often shared with third parties and with privacy issues.
Practical Guidance for Educators & Families: Walk away with actionable strategies for evaluating products, recognizing warning signs of unhealthy attachment, and having informed conversations with families about protecting children in an increasingly AI-powered world.
Can’t make the time? A recording + resources will be emailed to all registrants.
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Amanda Bickerstaff
Amanda is the Founder and CEO of AI for Education. A former high school science teacher and EdTech executive with over 20 years of experience in the education sector, she has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that AI can offer. She is a frequent consultant, speaker, and writer on the topic of AI in education, leading workshops and professional learning across both K12 and Higher Ed. Amanda is committed to helping schools and teachers maximize their potential through the ethical and equitable adoption of AI.
Robbie Morney
Robbie Torney is Head of AI & Digital Assessments at Common Sense Media, where he leads organizational AI work around AI safety, risk assessment, and policy. Under his leadership, Common Sense has developed and launched comprehensive AI risk assessments of major platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta AI. His work has supported AI literacy for teachers and students, established thought leadership in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, and pursued policies to maximize the upsides and minimize the risks associated with this emerging technology.
Robbie has testified before Congress and the California Legislature on AI safety for youth. He works directly with major technology companies to shape industry standards while maintaining Common Sense Media's independence in evaluation and advocacy.
Drawing from over a decade of experience in education as a teacher, principal, and school network leader in Oakland, CA, Robbie brings a unique perspective to AI policy and child safety. His classroom experience grounds his understanding of how AI technologies actually affect students and families in real-world settings, making him a passionate and informed advocate for responsible AI development that protects children while supporting innovation.