OpenAI has launched a modified version of its ChatGPT chatbot designed specifically for teenage users, introducing stricter safety controls following legal complaints and criticism over harmful content.
The artificial intelligence company announced ChatGPT for Teens on Tuesday, which automatically activates for users who register as aged 13 to 17 or are identified as underage through usage patterns.
New safety measures target young users
The teen version includes enhanced protections against content related to self-harm, violence, eating disorders and graphic sexuality. Many of these safeguards already existed for minor accounts but have been strengthened in the new model.
Additional features include more frequent break reminders and designated quiet hours when the chatbot is unavailable. A Study Mode function provides guiding questions rather than direct answers to help teenagers understand academic material.
The system also prevents the chatbot from suggesting it has personal feelings for users or possesses consciousness. Voice mode has been disabled for teen accounts.
Parental controls and monitoring
Parents can link their accounts to their teenagers’ profiles and receive alerts about high-risk discussions involving self-harm or suicide. Human moderators review these alerts, with specific chat details removed to protect privacy.
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Legal pressure mounts
The launch follows mounting legal challenges against OpenAI, including wrongful death lawsuits from families of young users. The parents of Adam Raine (16) allege their son used methods advised by ChatGPT to take his own life.
The US Federal Trade Commission has opened an investigation into AI chatbots that function as digital companions, examining potential risks to children and teenagers.
Industry-wide regulatory scrutiny
Congress has introduced multiple bills to regulate chatbot technology, while California now requires safety measures for AI assistants that serve as companions or confidants.
Rival company Anthropic has opted to restrict its model to adult users only in response to concerns about minors’ safety.
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