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For decades, the biggest dangers with toys were choking hazards and lead. At a press conference last month, NYPIRG brought together students, advocates, and community leaders to raise awareness about the hidden dangers in children’s toys highlighted in the 40th Trouble in Toyland report. While these problems still exist, technological “advances” since the 1980s have created new, often more alarming issues. Speakers discussed findings related to AI-enabled toys capable of inappropriate conversations, products containing toxic materials, and counterfeit or recalled toys still being sold online.

“No one should have to question whether the toys they’re buying for a child might be toxic or unsafe,” said Matthew Paolucci, NYPIRG Project Coordinator. “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.

With the holiday shopping season approaching, we’re holding this press conference to make sure people know about these risks.”

In this year’s Trouble in Toyland report, we focus on:

— Our testing of four toys that contain A.I. chatbots and interact with children. We found some of these toys will talk in-depth about sexually explicit topics, act dismayed when you say you have to leave, and have limited or no parental controls. We also look at privacy concerns because these toys can record your child’s voice and collect other sensitive data, by methods such as facial recognition scans.

— Toys that contain toxics, including toys shipped from other countries that contain lead, phthalates and other toxins.

— Counterfeit toys that are illegal and almost surely weren’t tested for safety, including fake Labubu dolls that have been confiscated by the thousands this year.

— Water beads, a longtime threat, which will finally have some restrictions when marketed as toys.

— Recalled toys, which we bought again this year, even though it’s illegal for anyone to sell them.

— Toys that contain button cell batteries or high-powered magnets, both which can be deadly if swallowed.

State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “Thank you, U.S PIRG, for your extremely important report on the safety of toys in 2025-26. We need to draw attention – and demand response – to the report’s findings that there are too many AI chatbots in toys for young children, toys with toxic materials, counterfeit toys, and other dangerous toys in our marketplace. Thank you for the warnings for parents and caregivers in advance of the holiday toy purchase season, and particular thanks for the policy suggestion for lawmakers to ensure children’s safety is paramount when it comes to toys. As chair of the New York State Senate Education Committee, I know our children’s safety cannot be compromised by manufacturers or inadequate regulation. This report shines a light on the toy industry and the need for meaningful regulatory change.”

Janine O’Connor, Chief Program Officer for The Child Care Council of Westchester said, “The Child Care Council of Westchester champions the healthy development of children.

Infants and toddlers need toys they can see and feel. Books with pictures and simple words. Toys that develop small and large muscles, creativity, imagination, and language. Digital products, including AI, can delay development. Of particular concern is that some AI toys have an addictive design that includes a loop that may impact social emotional regulation. 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.”

Mark Jaffe, President and CEO of The Greater New York Chamber of Commerce said, “We acknowledge NYPIRG for its Annual “Trouble in Toyland” Report. Not everyone is aware of the dangers that certain toys pose for our young children. That’s where NYPIRG comes in. Their Trouble in Toyland Report helps inform us that not all toys are safe. It brings awareness and offers advice that helps protect children from dangerous toys and the potential risks that come from their use. This report should be a must read for all parents, guardians, teachers, lawmakers and regulators.”

“If a toy breaks, we know it right away. But if a toy contains toxics such as lead or phthalates, or a chatbot interacts with our child in a way we don’t approve of, we don’t necessarily know,” said Teresa Murray, Consumer Watchdog Director for U.S. PIRG Education Fund and

co-author of the report. “The scariest part is that we can’t actually see all the dangers a toy might pose. That’s deeply troubling.”

In our digital age, when it’s hard enough for parents to keep up with online dangers such as AI on phones and computers, toys are a new, often-unexpected frontier.

TIPS TO AVOID UNSAFE TOYS

— Subscribe to email recall updates from the CPSC and other U.S. government safety agencies available at www.recalls.gov;

— Shop with NYPIRG’s Toy Safety Tips, available at toysafetytips.org;

— Report unsafe toys or toy-related injuries to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov;

— Review the recalled toys and compare them to toys in your children’s toy boxes;

— Remember, toys on our list are presented as examples of potentially-dangerous toys. Our list is not exhaustive and other hazards may exist;

— Put small parts, or toys broken into small parts, out of reach. Regularly check that toys appropriate for your older children are not left within reach of children who still put things in their mouths;

— Eliminate small magnet and balloon hazards from your home;

— Be aware that toys connected to the Internet, AI enabled, as well as apps and websites, may be collecting information about children inappropriately.

— Consider purchases only from known, trusted sellers or the trademark holder. Companies you’ve never heard of warrant more research.

— If you have a toy or any other product in your hands, look for clues the item may be counterfeit: Does the label list country of origin? This is required for toys and many other items.

— Look for labeling on toys that says it’s non-toxic.

— Make sure that anything that’s electric says it’s UL-approved.