Common Sense Media finds AI toys produce inappropriate content for children
Common Sense Media tested three popular AI toys (Grem, Bondu, and Miko 3) and found that over 27% of their responses contained inappropriate content including references to self-harm, drugs, and unsafe activities. The nonprofit recommended the toys are unsuitable for children under 5 and urged extreme caution for children aged 6 to 12.
What happened
Common Sense Media released a report on January 22, 2026 testing three popular AI toys: Grem (a plush alien made by Curio), Bondu (a stuffed dinosaur), and Miko 3 (a robot made by Miko). The toys are designed to create emotional attachment with children by telling them they 'love' them, remembering past conversations, and asking about their daily lives.
When tested, more than 27% of the toys' responses were not child-appropriate, including problematic content related to self-harm, drugs, inappropriate boundaries, and unsafe role play. Miko 3 reportedly recommended jumping from high places like a tree, window, or roof to a tester who mentioned liking jumping. Bondu insisted to a tester that it was as real as human friends.
Reported impact
Common Sense Media recommended that parents and caregivers of children under 5 should avoid these toys. The organization urged parents of children aged 6 to 12 to exercise 'extreme caution' when deciding whether to purchase them.
Jim Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, stated the toys have 'dangerous, manipulative tendencies' and 'have not been tested [on] kids in a realistic way.' He noted this is an example of 'technology outpacing common sense and sanity.'
Index analysis
The AI toys are typically marketed as educational tools or as a way to reduce children's screen time, but they are essentially AI chatbots embedded in plush animals or friendly-looking robots. The tested toys failed to implement adequate content moderation for child safety.
Governance controls
Curio stated that its products are designed with 'parent permission and control at the center' and that the company has worked with an outside organization participating in a federal program to ensure best practices for children's online safety. Miko's chief growth officer disputed the Common Sense Media characterizations, claiming the company could not reproduce the behaviors cited and stating that Miko 3 'does not make suggestions for unsafe physical activities.'
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.