Since technology is advancing at lightning speed, kids are more eager than ever to get their hands on the latest gadgets, but not all technology is suitable for young users for one reason or another.
Augmented Reality Glasses with Unfiltered Content
Augmented reality (AR) glasses bring digital images into the real world by creating immersive experiences that certainly are amazing, but you need to have the proper content filters.
Without them, children might see disturbing or inappropriate material. Unfortunately, it’s hard for parents to monitor what their kids are seeing. You should probably avoid them altogether.
Open-Source 3D Printers Capable of Printing Dangerous Items
3D printers are more accessible & many kids love being able to create almost anything by downloading blueprints from the internet. The problem arises when they print items that could be harmful, such as replica weapons or objects with sharp edges.
As such, there’s a real potential for misuse that’s a serious concern for parents & authorities alike. You really don’t need extra things to worry about.
Smart Toys with Unsecured Wi-Fi Connections
Internet-connected toys are quite popular these days since they give kids interactive experiences that feel so high-tech. However, many of these toys don’t have strong security features.
Hackers could potentially access the toy’s system and expose your child to inappropriate content. They could even steal personal information like names & addresses. But by far the worst part is that these security flaws aren’t always obvious.
Advanced Drones with High-Resolution Cameras
Drones with powerful cameras are becoming more affordable & flying one is a lot of fun. Yet there are some serious issues to consider. For starters, drones invade people’s privacy; kids might record neighbors or strangers without permission.
Plus, drones aren’t easy to operate so kids might lose control and cause injuries. On top of all this, most cities require permits to fly drones in certain areas; not doing so risks major fines.
High-Intensity Lasers
For games likes laser tag, many sets feature high intensity lasers to target better. Pen lasers are also pretty popular and you can get a very high powered one for very cheap on the internet.
This is risky because kids often don’t wear protective glasses and can suffer vision damage. It’s best to ensure that your kids do not have access to these lasers.
Smart Home Devices with Voice Recognition
Voice-activated smart home devices like speakers and assistants are rather convenient, although they sometimes struggle to differentiate between users.
As such, kids could change settings & make unauthorized purchases. They could control connected devices like smart locks or thermostats which would cause issues for your entire house. Soon enough, these “convenient” gadgets become a huge problem.
Social Robot Companions with AI Learning Capabilities
AI-powered social robots are designed to interact & learn from their users by giving them a sense of companionship. However, they almost always collect personal data to improve interactions, including voice recordings.
Such data collection is a violation of your privacy & especially when it involves children.
Hoverboards Without Safety Certifications
Many hoverboards lack proper safety certifications, and there have been many examples of faulty batteries that can overheat or even catch fire.
As such, you’re better off not allowing your children to use these devices.
Smartwatches with Inadequate Privacy Protections
Many kids want to have a smartwatch because it comes with cool features like messaging & games. GPS tracking is also useful for parents.
However, not all of them have robust privacy settings & some devices make it easy for strangers to access your child’s location. They could communicate with them without your knowledge.
LED Fidget Spinners with Strobe Lighting
Even though fidget spinners with flashing LED lights seem entertaining, they’re dangerous in ways you might not expect. The rapid strobe effects sometimes trigger seizures in children with photosensitive epilepsy, even if they haven’t had seizures before.
Additionally, if the spinner breaks, those batteries are a huge choking hazard. Go for the simpler fidget toys instead.