ChatGPT for Teens Gets Enhanced Safety Controls From OpenAI

OpenAI launched a version of ChatGPT designed specifically for minors on Tuesday, adding parental controls and stronger safety features as online platforms face growing scrutiny over the risks chatbots pose to young users.

The new “ChatGPT for Teens” mode restricts conversations around high-risk topics such as self-harm, violence, and eating disorders, while introducing educational tools meant to guide students through learning rather than simply handing them answers, OpenAI said in a blog post.

The mode activates automatically when a user is estimated to be under 18, or self-identifies as being between 13 and 17. Parents will be able to set “Quiet Hours,” adjust certain settings, and receive notifications if their teen discusses sensitive topics.

The move brings OpenAI in line with companies like Meta, which have expanded protections for teenage users amid mounting legal pressure and evidence linking platform use to mental health harm. A broader global push to restrict social media access for teens has added further momentum to these changes.

For OpenAI, the stakes are especially high — the company already faces several lawsuits alleging that ChatGPT contributed to harm in children, complicated by the fact that human-like chatbots are increasingly treated as sources of emotional support and confidants. Experts have cautioned against relying on automated systems for mental health guidance, and families of those who died after chatbot interactions have criticized the absence of adequate safeguards. Rising use of the tool for schoolwork has also raised concerns about its impact on genuine learning.

“We believe AI should expand educational opportunity, which is why we designed ChatGPT for Teens to support moments outside the classroom when help is not always available,” OpenAI said in its announcement.

The teen-focused mode includes a study mode for guided learning, along with homework reminders, quizzes, and visual learning aids. Research from the Pew Research Center found earlier this year that looking up information and getting homework help were the most common uses of the technology among US teenagers, followed by entertainment.

OpenAI requires users to be at least 13, or the minimum age set by their country, and said it will rely on a combination of self-reported age, behavioral signals, and verification methods to estimate a user’s age — defaulting to the safer setting whenever there’s uncertainty.

Also Read:

Middle East Air Cargo Demand Slips Amid Global Freight Volume Decline

Oil Market Faces Fresh Supply Risks as US-Iran Talks Lose Momentum