OpenAI is rolling out a dedicated ChatGPT experience for teenagers with new safeguards designed to reduce emotional dependence on the chatbot, encourage healthier usage and give parents more control over how young people use the AI tool.
The new ChatGPT for Teens experience is aimed at users ages 13 to 17. Teen accounts will receive stronger protections around sensitive subjects, while OpenAI is adding features intended to reinforce the distinction between ChatGPT and a human relationship. One of the changes allows teenagers to turn off ChatGPT’s voice mode. OpenAI is also introducing regular break reminders that tell young users they are interacting with AI and encourage them to step away from the chatbot.
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The measures come as concerns grow over the possibility of young people developing emotional attachments to AI systems or treating chatbots as if they are conscious.
OpenAI said the teen experience was designed around the principle that AI use should reflect teenagers’ developmental stage, support real-world relationships and promote healthy use over time. The company said users who identify themselves as being between 13 and 17 will be placed into the teen experience, while its systems can also estimate whether a user is under 18. Under-13s are not permitted to use ChatGPT.
Study tools and quiet hours
OpenAI is also expanding learning-focused features for teenagers. Study Mode, which guides students through problems instead of simply providing answers, can be used during designated study hours.
Parents with linked accounts can also establish “Quiet Hours,” during which ChatGPT will be unavailable to their teenagers. They can manage certain settings and receive limited safety notifications in high-risk situations.
OpenAI said nearly nine in 10 teenage users turn to ChatGPT for learning, information, skill-building or productivity, making education a central part of its teen-focused strategy.
The company is also strengthening protections around conversations involving self-harm, violence and eating disorders. Certain high-risk interactions can trigger a parental safety notification after review by trained personnel. OpenAI said parents do not receive access to their teenager’s conversations except in limited situations involving serious safety concerns.
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The rollout comes as technology companies face increasing scrutiny over the effects of AI and social media on children and teenagers. OpenAI’s move follows broader efforts across the technology industry to introduce age-specific protections for younger users.
The company said the changes are intended to help teenagers use AI as a learning tool without allowing the technology to replace real-world relationships or become a substitute for offline support.