OpenAI has introduced a new version of ChatGPT specifically designed for teenagers, adding stronger safety measures and parental controls as concerns continue to grow over the risks posed by increasingly lifelike AI chatbots.
The company announced “ChatGPT for Teens” on Tuesday, saying the experience is designed for users aged 13 to 17 and aims to encourage critical thinking, learning and support from people in the real world, Reuters reported.
The teen-focused version automatically activates when OpenAI estimates that a user is under 18 or when a user identifies their age as between 13 and 17.
The launch comes as AI companies face increasing scrutiny over how young people interact with chatbots, particularly as some teenagers have begun treating AI systems as confidants or sources of emotional support.
OpenAI is also facing multiple lawsuits alleging that ChatGPT contributed to harm involving young users.
The company said its new teen experience is designed to keep teenagers engaged in active and collaborative learning rather than simply providing answers.
“AI should expand educational opportunity,” OpenAI said, describing the new version as a tool for supporting students when help may not always be available outside the classroom.
ChatGPT for Teens includes several education-focused features, including Study Mode, which provides guided learning rather than simply completing assignments for students.
The system will also include homework reminders designed to discourage students from bypassing assignments, as well as quizzes and learning visualizations to provide different ways of practicing material.
Teen users will also be able to set dedicated study periods through a feature that allows them to establish specific study hours.
Parents will receive expanded controls through linked accounts.
OpenAI said parents can manage certain settings, activate “Quiet Hours” and receive notifications in high-risk situations.
The company is also adding new notifications related to eating disorders as part of its enhanced safety measures.
The changes reflect growing pressure on AI companies to introduce safeguards specifically designed for younger users.
As chatbots become more conversational and capable of responding to emotionally sensitive topics, experts have raised concerns about teenagers becoming overly dependent on automated systems for advice or emotional support.
OpenAI’s new approach attempts to address those concerns while positioning ChatGPT as an educational tool for teenagers.
The company’s move also comes as it faces heightened regulatory and legal scrutiny over the safety of its products and prepares for a potential blockbuster initial public offering.
With ChatGPT for Teens, OpenAI is betting that stronger guardrails and greater parental oversight can allow younger users to benefit from AI while reducing some of the risks associated with increasingly powerful conversational technology.