OpenAI launches ChatGPT for Teens with stronger safeguards
OpenAI is rolling out a version of ChatGPT designed specifically for teenagers, aiming to provide homework help and study support while protecting younger users from harmful content. The new product, called ChatGPT for Teens, launches on Tuesday and is tailored for children aged 13 to 17, with stronger protections including content restrictions around suicide, self-harm, and romantic or sexual chats, as reported by The Guardian.
The company says the chatbot is designed to guide students toward learning rather than simply providing answers. According to OpenAI, the teen chatbot is built not to give easy answers but to help students come up with solutions on their own. Ann O'Leary, vice-president of global policy at OpenAI, said the company wants to treat teens like teens, ensuring they are not exposed to material they shouldn't be, while also not talking down to them or treating them like children.
Safety features and parental controls
Parental controls are a key part of the new offering. Parents with linked teen accounts can set "quiet hours" when their teen cannot access ChatGPT and receive safety notifications in limited high-risk situations, such as the possibility of a user hurting themselves. OpenAI has also added notifications related to eating disorders, while limiting what is shared and focusing on moments when offline support may matter most. Both the teen and the parent or guardian must opt in to use these parental controls, but O'Leary said the design aims to be safe even without them.
OpenAI has implemented measures to prevent the chatbot from suggesting that it has personal feelings toward the user or implying that it is conscious or experiences emotions. Allison Mishkin, head of child development at OpenAI, said the company identified hypothetical cues that a model could give that might make a teenager develop a relationship to it. This follows concerns raised by parents, educators, and child development experts about children's use of AI chatbots, which have been blamed for facilitating cheating and even suicide. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, said the company is studying "emotional overreliance" on the technology, describing it as a "really common thing" with young people.
Age assurance and school integration
OpenAI uses age assurance to estimate if someone is under 18 based on factors such as query types, and identified minors are automatically placed into the teen version of the chatbot. This approach is similar to Meta's approach to teen accounts on Instagram, which have stricter content, chat, and privacy restrictions than regular accounts.
OpenAI already offers a version of ChatGPT for teachers, and tailoring a model to help children could give the company more ways to bring its product to schools.
Widespread teen AI use
A new survey from Common Sense Media found that seven in ten teens use AI tools for schoolwork. More than 77% of surveyed teens who use AI say they use it for help without getting direct answers, while 63% say they get an answer to their schoolwork from AI. The survey also found that 65% of teens first try to solve problems themselves or ask for help before turning to AI for answers.
Amanda Hyslop, a nurse and writer in San Francisco, was shocked to find her son taking a picture of his math homework to solve a problem. Her son, William Driegert, initially said, "I don't really know anyone that doesn't use it." After conversations with his mother, who helped write the AI policy for her son's school district, Driegert, now going into ninth grade, changed his stance. He now uses AI as a tool to understand concepts or create practice tests.
The survey also found that 73% of teens are missing out on key AI literacy conversations with their teachers.
Jim Steyer, CEO and founder of Common Sense Media, said, "AI should not replace learning. AI should not replace thinking." He added that the biggest takeaway for parents is that they have to be involved with their kids' schoolwork and understand that AI is now part of their life.
Perspectives
OpenAI: The company emphasizes age-appropriate design, with safety features and parental controls. Ann O'Leary said, "We want to treat teens like teens," and the chatbot is designed to guide learning rather than provide direct answers.
Parents and educators: Concerns about cheating and unhealthy reliance are prominent. Amanda Hyslop wants to ensure "they use their own brain," and Jim Steyer stresses parental involvement and the importance of AI literacy conversations with teachers.