OpenAI introduces ChatGPT for teens
OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT for Teens, an experience designed to help teenagers learn, think critically, deepen their understanding and use AI with confidence. It includes stronger built-in safety protections, features intended to promote healthy use and additional controls for parents. Users identified as under 18, or those who state that they are between 13 and 17, are automatically placed into ChatGPT for Teens.
The experience is designed to support learning outside the classroom. Features include Study Mode, which provides guiding questions and step-by-step support, as well as responsible homework reminders that can redirect teens toward collaborative problem-solving rather than simply providing an answer. Quizzes, Learning Visualizations and Study Hours provide additional ways to practice and build study habits.
Announcing a partnership with CodeAI
OpenAI is also announcing a partnership with CodeAI to give students and educators access to tools and resources for learning how AI works and how to use it. The partnership focuses on helping teens understand, direct, question and create with AI, while teachers continue to play a meaningful role in how AI enters the classroom.
For users under 18, ChatGPT for Teens applies age-appropriate safeguards in higher-risk areas including self-harm, violence, eating disorders, dangerous activities, and explicit sexual or graphic content. Parents with linked teen accounts can set Quiet Hours, manage selected settings and receive safety notifications in limited high-risk situations. OpenAI is also adding additional notifications related to eating disorders.
Encourage healthy and balanced use
The experience is designed to encourage healthy and balanced use through break reminders and product cues that identify ChatGPT as AI. OpenAI’s updated under-18 model guidance states that ChatGPT should not use romantic language, encourage emotional dependence or imply that it has feelings or consciousness.
OpenAI said the protections are supported by ongoing safety research, developmental science, expert input and testing. The company plans to continue developing features for teenagers and publishing what it learns about safe AI use by teens.