OpenAI has launched a new ChatGPT Teens mode that brings together existing and new safety measures specifically for users aged 13 to 17. The announcement comes amid increasing scrutiny of ChatGPT after several controversies and legal complaints — for example, cases in which the chatbot failed to adequately respond to a young person expressing suicidal thoughts and another in which it suggested a lethal drug cocktail to a minor, as reported by The Verge.
Who it applies to and default settings
ChatGPT Teens will be enabled by default for every ChatGPT user aged 13–17; OpenAI’s rules already prevent younger children from using the service. The mode is designed to encourage critical thinking, deeper understanding, and confident, safe use of AI among teenagers.
Safety restrictions and warnings
The Teens mode includes stricter safety tools intended to protect young users. It prevents detailed discussion or roleplaying in certain sensitive areas, including:
- topics involving violence,
- content related to self‑harm,
- sexual or romantic roleplay.
For other sensitive topics, such as eating disorders, the system displays explicit warnings. If the model detects a risk of harm, it can notify a parent or guardian.
Parental controls and usage features
Adults can set parental controls such as quiet hours that define when a teenager may or may not use ChatGPT. The mode also includes features aimed at promoting “healthy, balanced” AI use and flags when sensitive images are uploaded.
The system can detect attempts by a young user to have the AI do their homework for them. To address this, parents can schedule learning periods during which ChatGPT Study — a mode optimized for study and learning — is automatically enabled.
Why this matters
The introduction of ChatGPT Teens is part of OpenAI’s effort to reduce risks for younger users and provide parents with stronger oversight tools. The move adds to the company’s safety toolkit and follows public criticism and legal issues related to previous incidents. The Verge reported the new mode and its main features; OpenAI positions the functionality as a way to promote safer and more responsible AI use among teenagers.
