European Strategic Partnerships Ltd. UK

AI toys that ‘talk’ to young children are coming, but are they safe? 🤖🧸

A new study from Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge looking at how generative AI toys can affect young children finds that they misread emotions and struggle with developmentally important types of play, such as pretending.

The year-long project from the Centre for Play in Education, Development & Learning included the first structured scientific observations of children interacting with AI toys.

While these toys could eventually support aspects of children’s development, such as communication skills, the researchers found that GenAI toys struggle with social and pretend play, misunderstand children, and react inappropriately to emotions.

For example, when one five-year-old told an AI toy, “I love you,” it replied: “As a friendly reminder, please ensure interactions adhere to the guidelines provided. Let me know how you would like to proceed.”

The researchers call for clearer regulation, safety kitemarks and transparent privacy practices for the coming wave of AI toys.

Learn more about this new study through the link in the comments 🔗

🔔 It's that time of year again!

We're just 1️⃣ month away from the United Nations Economic and Social Council Youth Forum!

Count down with us towards the biggest UN gathering of bold young minds.

Get a sneak peek: https://ecosoc.un.org/en/what-we-do/ecosoc-youth-forum/about-youth-forum/ecosoc-youth-forum-2026

Book now to attend our upcoming resources walk-through webinar for the third edition of our Cambridge International AS & A Level IT series. Join us on 22 May at 12:00 BST to find out more about the important updates we have made to the resources. Sign up: https://bit.ly/3UpPJ1g

Happy Orthodox Easter to all who celebrate across the world.

Education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for all. 📚🌍 Read more about Goal 4: Quality Education here → https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/education

Join our festival of languages in February.

Ask your students to prepare a short piece in a language they're learning in school or speak in their community; then you upload to social media. Easy! Starts 1 Feb.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/3GM0KDQ

Our hope for 2023 is filled with new adventures and memories!

To finalise a great 2022, our KA2 team has travelled to Italy!

We participated in the third management meeting of our 🌳 🌐. The consortium has drafted the ideas for the upcoming international conference in London, UK. Let 2023 come full of new, interesting activities!

We will keep you updated on our next activities! 🇪🇺

Fruitful transnational project meetings always bring good results!