OpenAI introduces ChatGPT for teenage users

OpenAI has introduced a dedicated ‘ChatGPT for Teens’ experience for users under 18, combining existing parental controls with additional safeguards tailored to younger users.

The new experience is designed to reduce teenagers’ exposure to content considered harmful or inappropriate for their age. The protections cover areas such as graphic violence, risky viral challenges and material promoting unhealthy beauty standards. OpenAI says the safeguards can be applied automatically when its systems identify a user as being a teenager.

The update also expands the circumstances in which parents may receive alerts about high-risk situations identified in a teenager’s conversations. The alert system, first introduced through parental controls in 2025, now includes discussions associated with eating disorders.

Parents can also set ‘quiet hours’ during which ChatGPT will be unavailable. The teen experience includes a study mode intended to support learning through tools such as quizzes, homework reminders and visual explanations.

OpenAI is also using age prediction to help determine which users should receive the teen experience. Users incorrectly identified as being under 18 can verify their age through Persona, an identity verification service.

The launch comes amid continued scrutiny of the safety of generative AI systems when used by younger people. Critics have previously raised concerns about inadequate safeguards around sensitive conversations, while OpenAI has faced legal action from the family of a 16-year-old who died by suicide. The company has said its approach is based on prioritising teen safety, encouraging real-world support and making the behaviour of its systems more transparent.