OpenAI announces dedicated ChatGPT for teens with parental controls and more

ChatGPT

OpenAI is doubling down on teen safety, announcing a set of measures aimed at tailoring ChatGPT for younger users. The company says it is prioritising the well-being of teenagers over privacy or absolute freedom in cases where principles clash, acknowledging the complex role AI already plays in young people’s daily lives.

In a blog post, OpenAI said that a key development is the rollout of an age prediction system to distinguish between users under and over 18. Teens will automatically be guided to a stricter ChatGPT experience: graphic sexual content will be blocked, and in rare cases of acute distress, the company says law enforcement could be involved. If a user’s age is unclear, OpenAI says it will err on the side of caution and default to the under-18 version, while adults can verify their age to access unrestricted use.

While the prediction system evolves, OpenAI will launch parental controls by the end of the month. Parents will be able to link accounts with teens (aged 13 and up) and customise how ChatGPT behaves. Controls include:

• Setting rules for responses aligned with teen-specific behaviour models.
• Disabling features like memory and chat history.
• Receiving notifications when the system detects signs of distress. If parents can’t be reached, law enforcement may be notified as a safeguard.
• Setting blackout hours to restrict late-night use.

These additions build on general safety tools already available, such as in-app reminders to take breaks during long sessions, as per OpenAI.

OpenAI says the features are being shaped with input from experts, policymakers, and advocacy groups to balance usefulness with protection. "We’ll continue to share progress as we go. In the meantime, we want to thank the partners, advocates, and experts who are sharing feedback and pushing us to improve," said the company.