OpenAI launched ChatGPT for Teens, a 13-to-17 version with added safeguards.
Why it matters: Parents and schools now have a clearer, more controllable version of ChatGPT for minors. The launch gives families and districts a new setting to manage teen use of a widely used AI chatbot.
- OpenAI launched ChatGPT for Teens for users ages 13 to 17.
- The teen version adds protections around suicide, self-harm, romantic or sexual chats and other age-inappropriate content.
- OpenAI says it will automatically place users it predicts are under 18 into the teen experience using account behavior and usage patterns.
- Parents can link accounts and control quiet hours, voice mode, memory, image generation and model training.
OpenAI is rolling out ChatGPT for Teens as safety rules for minors draw closer attention from families and schools.
The teen experience is built for users ages 13 to 17 and includes stronger limits on suicide, self-harm, romantic or sexual chats, and other content OpenAI says is not appropriate for minors. OpenAI says the product is designed to support schoolwork and studying without simply giving students essays or direct answers.
OpenAI says it will automatically route users it predicts are under 18 into the teen version based on account behavior and usage patterns. Parents and guardians can link accounts and set quiet hours, disable voice mode, turn off memory, remove image generation and opt out of model training, according to OpenAI. When those controls are enabled, teens cannot switch off the added protections themselves.
OpenAI also says linked teen accounts get tighter limits on graphic content, viral challenges, sexual, romantic or violent roleplay, and extreme beauty ideals, per its safety guidance. The company says it may notify parents in limited high-risk situations, including signs of acute distress or possible self-harm.
Ann O'Leary, OpenAI's vice president of global policy, said, "We want to treat teens like teens." OpenAI said it worked with experts, advocacy groups including Common Sense Media, and the attorneys general of California and Delaware while building the controls.
The launch is rolling out now, with availability varying by country. OpenAI said an EU rollout is expected in coming weeks.
What's next: OpenAI said an EU rollout is expected in coming weeks.