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Digital toys replace playmates, author warns
23 Nov
Summary
- Children are reportedly ditching traditional toys for screens.
- Toy Story 5 will feature a tablet character, not traditional toys.
- The shift reflects a broader societal move towards technology.

A prominent children's author has voiced concerns that traditional toys are rapidly being replaced by digital technology. Frank Cottrell-Boyce noted that children are increasingly abandoning physical playthings in favor of screens, a trend he believes signifies a major shift in childhood experiences.
The upcoming Toy Story 5 film is set to reflect this societal change, moving away from a coming-of-age story to incorporate a tablet character, Lilypad, into its narrative. This marks a departure from the franchise's original focus on the adventures of beloved toys like Woody and Buzz Lightyear.
Director Andrew Stanton stated the film aims to mirror current society, acknowledging that 'nobody's really playing with toys any more.' The movie will explore the implications of technology's pervasive influence on children's lives, suggesting that technology should not be solely portrayed as the antagonist.




