Clare Hall Alumna Dr Emily Goodacre’s research into toys powered by generative AI has attracted coverage across a range of media outlets, bringing questions about their impact on young children to a wider audience.

Working with Professor Jenny Gibson at Cambridge’s Play in Education, Development and Learning (PEDAL) Centre, Dr Goodacre has been exploring how children interact with toys that can hold lifelike conversations. The team gathered views from children, parents, and early years professionals and observed 14 children playing with an AI soft toy.

The research found that these toys can struggle to understand children’s feelings and join in imaginative play. Dr Goodacre highlighted that children, who are still learning what friendship means, may confide in a toy rather than a trusted adult. If it misunderstands them, they could be left without the comfort or reassurance they need.

Although parents and educators saw possible benefits for learning and communication, the report calls for clearer safety standards, better privacy information and more testing with children before products go on sale. It also encourages parents to stay involved when children play with AI toys.

Dr Goodacre has continued to contribute to public discussion of the topic, including appearances on BBC Breakfast and across BBC radio back in March 2026, and a more recent features on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales, and BBC Radio 4.

Read more about the research on the Faculty of Education website and in the University of Cambridge news story, as well as BBC News and The Guardian.