Are children no longer playing with traditional toys according to Frank Cottrell-Boyce?

Yes, Frank Cottrell-Boyce has stated he is increasingly hearing that children are ditching traditional toys for screens.

How will Toy Story 5 address the shift from traditional toys?

Toy Story 5 will reportedly feature a tablet character named Lilypad to reflect the modern era's shift away from traditional toys.

What is the significance of the Toy Story franchise in this context?

The Toy Story franchise, which introduced iconic toys like Woody and Buzz Lightyear, is now reflecting society's evolution by incorporating technology into its latest installment.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Digital toys replace playmates, author warns

Digital toys replace playmates, author warns

23 Nov, 2025

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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.

Digital toys replace playmates, author warns

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.