OpenAI is introducing a dedicated ChatGPT experience for teenagers, bringing existing youth safeguards together with new features designed specifically for younger users.
The new experience is aimed at teens between 13 and 17 and is intended to make ChatGPT safer while encouraging students to use AI for learning rather than simply getting answers.
ChatGPT for Teens is designed to help teenagers learn, think critically and develop a better understanding of how to use AI. OpenAI says the teen experience will automatically apply to users who identify themselves as being between 13 and 17, as well as users its systems estimate may be under 18. Children under 13 are not permitted to use ChatGPT under OpenAI’s existing age policy.
The teen experience will have stronger protections enabled by default. These include tighter restrictions on sensitive and prohibited content involving graphic violence, self-harm and sexual or romantic roleplay. ChatGPT will also provide additional warnings and safety information when conversations involve topics such as eating disorders.
Parents will receive additional controls through the new experience. They will be able to set quiet hours and receive notifications about certain safety alerts when ChatGPT detects a possible safety risk involving their teenager.
OpenAI is also adding features intended to encourage healthier and more balanced use of ChatGPT. These include teen-specific onboarding, reminders about sensitive image uploads and additional customization options, including accent colors and different voice variations.
The company is also introducing what it calls “responsible homework reminders.” The feature is designed to recognize when a teenager appears to be trying to shortcut an assignment by asking ChatGPT to do the work for them. Instead of simply providing the answer, ChatGPT can redirect the student toward its dedicated study mode.
Teens and their parents can also set study hours that automatically activate study mode during selected periods. The goal is to encourage students to use ChatGPT as a learning tool rather than relying on it to complete schoolwork for them.
If this article helped you, please consider supporting our work. Every small contribution keeps Abijita.com independent and running.
Although OpenAI is presenting this as a new teen-focused ChatGPT experience, many of the protections included in the launch are based on safeguards that already exist. The new mode primarily brings those protections together while adding several additional controls and adjustments specifically for younger users.
