OpenAI launches teen-focused version of ChatGPT with stronger safety measures

OpenAI is introducing a new version of ChatGPT specifically designed for teenagers, with the aim of providing young users with access

OpenAI is introducing a new version of ChatGPT specifically designed for teenagers, with the aim of providing young users with access to artificial intelligence in a safer and more age-appropriate environment. The new service, known as ChatGPT for Teens, is intended for users between the ages of 13 and 17 and includes additional safety measures designed to protect younger users.

According to OpenAI, the teen-focused version will place greater restrictions on sensitive and inappropriate content. These protections will cover areas such as explicit sexual material, romantic interactions, suicide, self-harm and other potentially harmful topics. The company says the system has been developed to ensure that teenagers can benefit from AI without being unnecessarily exposed to content that is unsuitable for their age.

OpenAI also plans to make the chatbot particularly useful for education. Rather than simply giving students answers to homework questions, ChatGPT for Teens will encourage them to understand concepts and develop problem-solving skills. The goal is to support learning instead of promoting memorization or allowing students to depend on AI to complete their assignments.

Ann O’Leary, OpenAI’s vice president of global policy, said the company wants to approach teenagers according to their developmental stage. She explained that the chatbot should not treat teenagers as young children, but at the same time should prevent them from encountering material that is inappropriate for their age.

Another important feature is OpenAI’s approach to identifying younger users. Instead of requiring every user to complete strict age verification before accessing ChatGPT, the company says it will estimate a person’s age by examining patterns in their questions and behavior. If the system determines that a user is likely to be a minor, the account will automatically be moved to the teen version.

OpenAI has also focused on preventing teenagers from developing unhealthy emotional relationships with the chatbot. Allison Mishkin, the company’s head of child development, said OpenAI examined different situations in which an AI model could potentially influence a teenager to form an inappropriate relationship with it.

Parental controls will provide another layer of protection. Teenagers and their parents or guardians can choose to link their accounts. Parents who connect their accounts will have access to features such as “quiet hours,” which can restrict ChatGPT use during selected periods.

Parents may also receive safety notifications when the system detects serious concerns, including possible signs of self-harm or eating disorders. However, OpenAI says these alerts will be balanced with privacy protections and will focus on situations where support from people outside the digital environment may be especially important.

Overall, OpenAI says the new teen version is intended to encourage healthier and more responsible use of artificial intelligence. By combining stronger content restrictions, educational support, parental controls and age-sensitive safeguards, the company hopes to create an AI experience that allows teenagers to benefit from technology while reducing potential risks.