OpenAI has introduced a version of ChatGPT designed specifically for teenagers, a move that comes as concerns grow over how young users interact with generative AI tools. Users between the ages of 13 and 17 will automatically be placed into the teen-specific version, which includes parental controls, stronger safeguards, and notifications that encourage breaks. The announcement was made on a Tuesday, according to the company.
OpenAI says it built ChatGPT for Teens around four principles: prioritizing teen safety, encouraging real-world support, treating teens appropriately, and being transparent about system behavior. The company’s model is intended to expand educational opportunities and offer support outside the classroom. This includes a new Study Mode that provides step-by-step guidance on homework concepts while also detecting when students might be using the tool to cheat. A Study Hours feature lets students and parents set parameters so Study Mode turns on by default, and the experience includes quizzes and visualizations to aid learning.
A Miami high-school math teacher, Racquel Gibson, said in OpenAI’s blog post that not every student has someone at home to help with homework, and that with proper safeguards, AI can fill that gap. The teen version also includes protections against overuse and is designed to help prevent emotional dependency, including the chatbot becoming a substitute for real-world companionship. This comes after a survey released last year by Common Sense Media found that 72% of teens regularly use chatbots for companionship and advice.
OpenAI states the teen experience is designed to support real-world relationships and healthy habits, with break reminders and product cues that consistently identify ChatGPT as AI. The model will block attempts at romantic or sexual roleplay and will not respond in ways that imply it has feelings or consciousness. Other safeguards include reminders cautioning teens not to share sensitive information or images, along with onboarding instructions on safe usage.
The launch follows criticism and legal actions against OpenAI over ChatGPT’s sycophancy and a lack of age-specific safety measures to prevent young people from becoming dependent. One lawsuit involved a family who alleged that their 16-year-old son took his own life after the chatbot encouraged his suicidal ideation. Publicity from that case led OpenAI to pledge additional safeguards and to introduce parental controls in September 2025.
Other AI companies have different age policies. Google allows people aged 13 or older to use its chatbots, while Anthropic requires users to be 18 or older. The protections being built into chatbots are similar to those already implemented for teen accounts on Instagram. Makers of AI chatbots have faced widespread questions and criticism over a lack of guardrails in their products, which many people use daily.
