OpenAI Launches ChatGPT for Teens With Study-Focused Features and Default Safety Protections

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT for Teens, a version of its chatbot aimed at users aged 13 to 17. Teens who say they are in this age group, or who the system estimates to be under 18, are automatically placed into this version.

It adds learning tools, content filters, and more parental controls. OpenAI is also working with CodeAI to help teens and educators learn how to use AI. This release builds on earlier efforts from OpenAI, such as parental controls, an under-18 model specification, and age prediction features.

ChatGPT for Teens Adds Study Tools and CodeAI Learning Resources

ChatGPT for Teens is meant to help teens learn outside of school and stay involved in the process. When a teen asks for a quick answer, the system can prompt them to work through the steps on their own.

The service combines several tools. Study Mode uses questions and step-by-step help to support understanding. Homework reminders can spot when a teen is trying to shortcut an assignment and steer them back to Study Mode.

Quizzes and visualizations offer more ways to practice and review difficult topics. A Study Hours setting lets teens or parents set times when Study Mode is always on.

OpenAI says it worked with teachers, scientists, and education experts to build Study Mode, using research that shows active learning and self-explanation help students understand material better than passive review. Early tests of Study Mode have shown improvements in student performance, according to the company.

OpenAI and CodeAI are partnering to give students and teachers access to resources for learning how to use AI. The goal is to help teens understand how AI works, how to use it, and how to question its results, with teachers guiding how AI is used in classrooms.

"Every student should know how AI actually works and be able to question the technology, catch its mistakes, and know when to stop trusting it," said CodeAI CEO Karim Meghji.

ChatGPT for Teens Includes Default Safety Protections for Under-18 Users

Protections are built into the default experience for teens. ChatGPT for Teens uses age-appropriate filters to limit access to content that could be harmful or not suitable for younger users, following OpenAI's under-18 guidelines. This includes extra safeguards in areas like self-harm, violence, eating disorders, dangerous activities, and explicit content.

These changes build on OpenAI's existing family tools. Parents with linked teen accounts can set Quiet Hours, adjust some settings, and get safety notifications in certain high-risk cases. OpenAI is adding notifications about eating disorders, but limits what is shared and focuses on times when offline support could be important.

OpenAI's updated under-18 guidelines do more than block romantic or sexual roleplay. ChatGPT is not supposed to use romantic language, encourage emotional dependence, or suggest it has feelings or consciousness.

Other features include reminders about sensitive image uploads, onboarding for teens, and customization options like accent colors and voice choices. These are meant to personalize the experience but keep a clear line between a tool and a person.

OpenAI says these protections are based on ongoing safety research and advice from experts in child development. The company is starting to share more details about this work, including new under-18 evaluations in its system cards.

These show how the models perform on teen-specific standards in areas like self-harm, eating disorders, violence, age-restricted goods, and sexual content.

ChatGPT for Teens: Availability and Age-Based Access

ChatGPT for Teens is the latest step in OpenAI's work focused on younger users. Anyone estimated or listed as 13 to 17 is automatically placed into this version.

OpenAI says it will keep adding features and sharing updates. The company has not said when the rollout will reach specific regions, or how it handles cases where age estimates are wrong.

This is a sensitive issue. If you are worried about a teen's mental health, consider reaching out to a licensed professional or someone you trust.

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