OpenAI has launched ChatGPT for Teens, a version of its chatbot made for ages 13 to 17. It adds stronger protections while keeping the tool useful for schoolwork and everyday questions.
The teen version blocks romantic or sexual chats and stops the bot from showing emotions or consciousness. It uses age checks to detect minors and automatically places them in the protected version. Parents can set quiet hours and get alerts in high‑risk cases such as self‑harm.
Advocates warn the safeguards may not fully stop overuse or emotional dependence. Some protections, like limiting memory, need parental setup and are not default.
Past studies showed chatbots could give harmful advice to teens, including on substance use and eating disorders. Surveys found over 70% of teens use AI chatbots for companionship, with half using them often.
OpenAI says the teen chatbot is designed to guide students to think and solve problems themselves instead of just giving answers. The company is also working on interactive learning tools to make the experience more educational.
Also Read: OpenAI adds Health in ChatGPT, connects to Apple Health and medical records
The launch is a step toward safer AI use among younger users. OpenAI plans to expand features and refine protections as more teens turn to AI for learning and support.
