They are on many Christmas wish lists: connected and smart toys. But digitalization in children's rooms also entails risks. A new ÖIAT folder offers ten tips for parents.
As our cooperation partner Saferinternet reports, more and more toys are equipped with microphones and connected to apps.
They answer questions or can be programmed: The “Internet of Toys” includes talking plush toys and dolls, programmable robots, remote-controlled vehicles with cameras and game figures for online games.
Some of these toys pose risks to children's privacy, shows the ÖIAT study “Internet of Toys” (supported by the funding program net idea).
Especially that one Data protection and privacy should be taken into account when it comes to connected toys.
But questions about technical safety standards, age-appropriate selection or the optimal duration of activity with smart toys are also answered in the ÖIAT digital folder (developed in collaboration with the AGES – Agency for Health and Food Security).
This is an important point responsible behavior of parents yourself: Because the temptation to use your little ones’ smart playmates as “digital babysitters” may be great. However, a talking doll or an answering dinosaur cannot replace a caregiver. Human contact is essential, particularly for social and language development.
We have therefore put together ten tips for parents who want to give their child internet-enabled toys.
10 important tips for using connected toys:
- Plan enough time before Christmas shopping. Find out in advance about the system requirements, data protection and the exact Internet functions of the toy.
- Don't buy dangerous toys. Due to safety deficiencies, consumer protection organizations explicitly advise against using some products. On the one hand, this applies to toys that work with voice recognition and pass on data to third parties for marketing purposes or are easy to hack. Check relevant product tests before purchasing.
- Only pass on necessary data. The apps associated with toys can usually be downloaded without purchasing the toy. First, look at what access is required when installing the app - are they really necessary for the game? Only provide data that is absolutely necessary.
- Do not create data profiles of your child. Some toys, such as interactive plush toys and dolls, can be personalized. If you are asked to provide information about your child for a toy, be careful not to enter any sensitive personal information. This includes information about age, place of residence and health status.
- Consider possible follow-up costs. On the shelves at Christmas time you will find a range of toy figures for online games. These products are recognized via smartphone or other devices - additional figures are often required to unlock further levels.
- Agree on the rules of the game. Whether a camera car remotely controlled via an app is used in the children's room, in the living room or in the open air can make an important difference. Clarify in advance who, where and how the gift can and should be used. To do this, agree on rules with your child.
- Pay attention to possible expiration dates for apps and whether security updates are possible.
- Involve your child in personalizing the toy. “Here I can enter what you would like to be called. What you wish for?" Especially with children, it is important to let them participate in personalization. A gift becomes an opportunity to acquire your own digital skills.
- Explain to your child what he or she is playing with . “Look, it looks like a teddy bear, but it’s also a computer.” If there are operating systems behind toys instead of batteries, your child should know that too. See it as an opportunity to let your child become familiar with digital worlds in this way.
- Accompany your child. Toys with the Internet require a lot of skills. From commissioning to use, questions arise. Accompany your child to make the toy a good learning experience. Interactive toys are not a replacement for personal conversations and parental closeness.
Parent folder:
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )