What Chinese Parents Think About AI‑Powered Toys

A viral video ignites a nationwide debate on smart companions for children

A short clip that quickly went viral on Chinese social media shows a young girl sobbing after her AI chatbot stopped responding. The scene—her tear‑streaked face, the broken device on the floor—prompted an outpouring of comments from netizens who wondered whether such high‑tech toys are appropriate for kids.

While many users expressed concern, labeling the gadget as “too advanced” or “emotionally manipulative,” the child’s father offered a different perspective. In an interview, he described the device not merely as a toy but as a member of the family, emphasizing the bond his daughter has formed with the digital companion.

“She talks to it like she would to a sibling,” the father said. “When it stopped working, she was genuinely upset because she felt she had lost a friend.”

The rise of AI companions in Chinese households

In recent years, AI‑enabled toys—ranging from chatty robots to interactive plushies—have flooded the market, promising personalized learning, emotional support, and endless entertainment. Companies market these products as educational assistants that adapt to a child’s speech patterns and interests.

According to a 2024 industry report, sales of AI‑driven children’s gadgets in China grew by 27 % year‑on‑year, with parents citing “enhanced engagement” and “real‑time feedback” as primary reasons for purchase.

Parental concerns and regulatory response

Critics argue that the technology blurs the line between play and dependency, potentially affecting emotional development. Some parents worry about data privacy, screen time, and the risk of children forming attachments to devices that can be turned off at any moment.

In response, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced new guidelines requiring AI toy manufacturers to implement transparent data policies and to provide parental control features that limit interaction duration.

Balancing innovation with responsibility

The conversation sparked by the video underscores a broader societal question: how should families integrate rapidly advancing technology into the formative years of children? While some view AI companions as modern playmates that can enrich learning, others urge caution, emphasizing the need for human interaction and clear boundaries.

As the market continues to evolve, many Chinese parents, like the boy’s father, will likely navigate a delicate balance—embracing the benefits of AI while ensuring that the “family member” they welcome into their homes remains a supportive, not substitutive, presence.