Struggling with bedtime stories? Meta has developed an AI to help get kids settled in for the night.

      Creating bedtime stories on the spot can require an excessive amount of creativity from a parent trying to soothe their overstimulated child to sleep. Meta might have a potential answer to this challenge. The company aims to introduce narratives about dragons, magical forests, and timely lessons on sharing using AI technology.

      Meta is currently testing StoryKit, a free iPhone application that creates personalized children’s stories through AI. The company has confirmed that it is piloting the app in specific countries to assess parental interest, with availability currently in Mexico but not in the United States. A wider release date has not yet been shared.

      Transform your child or their toy into a protagonist

      StoryKit starts by prompting the parent to create a character. Users can either describe one manually or take a photograph of a child, individual, or favorite toy for AI to incorporate into the story. Parents can then select a setting, such as a magical forest, a far-off galaxy, or an underwater realm, along with a lesson that teaches values like bravery, compassion, or empathy. The app generates a narrative along with AI-generated illustrations, narration, and background music.

      The finished story can take several forms: it can be a narrated picture book, an audiobook for convenient listening, a read-aloud script for the parent, or a printable PDF. Saved stories are kept in a private library, and downloaded tales can be accessed offline. Meta states that the app contains no advertisements, in-app purchases, or social features.

      The concept offers a genuinely practical benefit. An exhausted parent can swiftly craft a story centered around the child’s current fascination, while the printable and read-aloud options ensure parental involvement rather than leaving a phone to handle bedtime solo. However, this does raise some concerning issues.

      Sharing a child’s photo with Meta might not be the best choice.

      Meta mentions that StoryKit has AI content filters, safety measures, and PIN protection in place. The company also informed TechCrunch that the app is intended for usage by individuals over 18, even though its stories are naturally designed for young children. Parents should examine the privacy policy carefully before uploading family photos. According to Apple’s listing, StoryKit may gather photos, videos, and other types of information that could appear somewhat intrusive at first glance.

      Concerns have previously been raised about AI-enhanced children’s products relating to inappropriate content, data gathering, and the presence of adult-targeted systems in children’s toys. StoryKit’s design, which involves parent control and lacks social features, mitigates some of these risks. Therefore, while it may assist weary parents, it detracts from the personal rituals that involve dynamic storytelling and creativity shared between parent and child.