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OpenAI launches ChatGPT for Teens with stronger safety measures and study tools

OpenAI on Tuesday launched ChatGPT for Teens, a version of its chatbot for ages 13-17 with default safety protections, study tools, and parental controls to address concerns over AI's effects on young users.

AI News Feed · 2026-08-19 00:30

The new experience adds content restrictions around suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, violence, dangerous activities and explicit sexual or graphic material, according to OpenAI. The company said the measures are based on its Under-18 Principles and informed by developmental science and expert guidance. Parents with linked teen accounts can set Quiet Hours, manage selected settings and receive safety notifications in limited high-risk situations, including new alerts related to eating disorders.

For homework help, ChatGPT for Teens includes a Study Mode that uses guiding questions and step-by-step support to help students understand material. The chatbot also issues 'responsible homework reminders' when it detects a teen appears to be trying to shortcut an assignment, redirecting them to Study Mode. Additional features include quizzes, learning visualizations and Study Hours, which let teens or parents choose times when Study Mode is on by default.

OpenAI said the teen version is enabled when its systems estimate a user is between 13 and 17 or when a user directly states their age. The company does not verify ages but uses age assurance based on factors such as query types; if someone is identified as a minor, they are automatically placed in the teen version. Similar to Meta's approach for teen accounts on Instagram, this relies on algorithmic estimation rather than strict verification.

The launch follows lawsuits and public concern linking AI chatbots to teen suicides, self-harm and academic cheating. A 2025 study from Common Sense Media found that more than 70% of U.S. teens use AI chatbots for companionship and half use AI companions regularly, according to The Guardian. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said last year that the company is studying 'emotional overreliance' on the technology, describing it as 'really common' with young people.

OpenAI executives stressed the balance between safety and age-appropriateness. Ann O'Leary, vice president of global policy, said: 'We want to treat teens like teens, which means that we have to make sure that we're showing up with the right developmental stage when we're not either talking down to them or treating them like kids, but we're also making sure that they're not exposed to material that they shouldn't be exposed to.' Allison Mishkin, head of child development, said the company identified 'hypothetical cues' that might cause a teenager to develop a relationship with the model, and the teen chatbot is prevented from suggesting it has personal feelings, consciousness or emotions.

OpenAI also announced a partnership with CodeAI to help teens learn about AI, including how it works and how to direct it. The company already offers ChatGPT for Teachers for classroom use, and tailoring a model for teens could expand its reach in schools.