Australia’s eSafety commissioner is warning parents to be vigilant about introducing “smart toys” into the family this Christmas.

Julie Inman Grant says while internet-connected toys can offer many benefits through interactive play and education, it’s important parents be aware of potential privacy and security risks, reports news.com.au.

The comments come after a recent poll suggested Australian parents are divided about buying their children web-enabled Christmas gifts.

“Ultimately, parents are the frontline of defence against any risk their children can be exposed to online, so remaining engaged in their online lives just as they are offline is integral,” Ms Inman Grant told AAP in a statement.

The eSafety commissioner suggested parents check how devices store and use kids’ information, set strong passwords to secure accounts and refrain from linking their location or sensitive data with others.

Users should also install the latest security and software updates and manually deactivate unnecessary functions like recording capabilities, Ms Inman Grant said.

A recent poll of 1035 Australian parents suggested half were planning to buy smart devices and toys for kids this Christmas.

At the same time, the poll commissioned by Norton said 50 per cent of parents were set to ask friends and relatives to not buy such devices for their children.

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