Most parental control tools were built for a different era of technology: they track screen time, block apps, and filter websites. But AI companion toys don't work like a website or an app — they hold real conversations. That gap is exactly what new research and legislation are starting to address.
Why don't most parental controls cover AI conversations?
A review of the category found that most parental control apps monitor screen time and app usage, but not what a child actually says to an AI chatbot, and most platforms give parents almost no visibility into their child's AI use at all (HeyOtto). For a toy built around open-ended conversation, that's the control that matters most.
What do parents actually want to control?
A 2026 study presented at the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems asked parents how they'd want to moderate their children's interactions with generative AI chatbots. Parents wanted the ability to shape how the AI responded to sensitive topics and to be informed when certain subjects came up — not just a blanket on/off switch (ACM Digital Library). In other words, parents want a dial, not just a switch.
What new laws are pushing for better AI parental controls?
Lawmakers are responding to the same gap. The CHATBOT Act, introduced in 2026, would require AI companies to offer "family accounts" so parents can manage and monitor their children's chatbot use directly (Benton Institute). Even large platforms are moving the same direction — Meta AI, for example, has been rebuilding its teen AI experience to add topic monitoring and content ratings.
How does Ted's app let you customize topics, tone, and limits?
This is precisely what the Ted&Co parental app is designed for. Before a child ever talks to Ted, a parent sets it up: choosing the interaction language, the topics Ted can and can't discuss, and the overall tone and limits of the conversation. It's the difference between hoping an AI toy behaves and actually configuring how it behaves — set once, adjustable any time.
What should you check before buying any AI companion for your child?
Ask three questions: Can you see what topics come up in conversations, not just how long your child used the toy? Can you actually restrict subjects, not just turn the whole device off? And is that control available from day one, not added later as a patch? These are the same questions driving new legislation like the CHATBOT Act — which is a good sign they're the right ones to ask. For more on how the wider regulatory picture is shaping AI toys in 2026, see our article on AI toy safety laws and studies.
FAQ
Can I control what topics Ted talks about with my child?
Yes. The Ted&Co parental app lets you set the topics, tone, and limits for Ted's conversations before your child starts using it.
Do I need an app to use Ted?
Yes — the Ted&Co app is used for initial setup (Wi-Fi, language) and for ongoing parental controls.
Can I change the settings after the initial setup?
Yes, topics, tone, and limits can be adjusted at any time through the app.
Are AI companion parental controls required by law?
Not yet universally, but proposed legislation like the CHATBOT Act would require AI companies to offer family accounts with parental management tools.