OpenAI Launches ChatGPT for Teens With Safety Safeguards

OpenAI launched ChatGPT for Teens on Tuesday, introducing a version of its AI chatbot specifically tailored for users aged 13 to 17. The product implements stronger safeguards, including content restrictions on suicide, self-harm, and romantic or sexual interactions, to maintain an age-appropriate environment.

To address academic integrity, the tool provides study support and guides students toward answers instead of generating completed essays or direct solutions. For parents who opt in, the service includes safety notifications for high-risk situations, such as eating disorders, and the implementation of quiet hours.

The chatbot is programmed to avoid implying consciousness or personal feelings to prevent emotional overreliance. OpenAI identifies minors through self-identification and query patterns to automatically place them in the teen version. Ann O'Leary, vice-president of global policy, stated the goal is to treat teens according to their developmental stage without exposing them to inappropriate material.