Lawmakers in America want to ban AI toys; Lego says: Allow kids to …

As US lawmakers push to ban toys that have AI infused in them, The Lego Group is taking a different stand: allow kids to build their own understanding. The Danish toy giant has launched “Lego Education Computer Science & AI,” a curriculum designed to teach K–8 (from Kindergarten through 8th Grade, or ages 5 to 14) students about artificial intelligence (AI) through physical play and experimentation.The launch comes at a time when California senators consider a 4-year ban on AI chatbot toys following high-profile safety failures. Lego has a different take – it is moving away from chatbots in favour of offline learning tools.“Children have their own thoughts on how AI should be used, or how it shouldn’t be used. Let’s bring children into the conversation in an informed and empowered way,” said Andrew Sliwinski, head of product experience of LEGO Education, as per a report in Fastlane.The new kits are priced at $339.95 for a group of four students and they aim to bring AI literacy to the students. According to Sliwinski, current narratives either frame AI as an unstoppable threat or a technology that must be strictly banned. He thinks that both of these takes underestimate children's capabilities.“What both of those narratives are often missing is that children are capable. They have their own opinions and thoughts on AI and how it should and shouldn’t be used,” he added.Lego’s system is built for privacy as the curriculum works entirely offline. This means that no data leaves the classroom computer, and no private information is shared with Lego or third parties. The program is divided into three grade bands:It is to be noted that Mattel – the toy company that has launched products like Barbie, Hot Wheels, and UNO, among others – failed to deliver an AI-powered toy in 2025 under its partnership with OpenAI. Another AI-enabled teddy bear was banned after it engaged in sexually explicit conversations with minors.