OpenAI launches dedicated teen mode for ChatGPT, bundling existing safeguards with new tweaks

OpenAI announced a new mode called “ChatGPT for Teens” that will activate automatically for users who identify as being between 13 and 17 years old, as well as for anyone the system estimates to be under 18. Users under 13 are not permitted to use the platform under the company’s stated age policy. The default settings tighten restrictions on prohibited or sensitive content, graphic violence, self-harm descriptions, and sexual or romantic role-play, and they add safety warnings and information on topics such as eating disorders.

Parents will be able to set “quiet hours” and receive alerts when the system detects a possible safety risk. New reminders address the sharing of sensitive images, a dedicated onboarding flow for teens, and customization options such as highlight colors and voice versions. A feature named “responsible homework reminders” is designed to spot when a teen tries to shortcut an assignment and redirect them to a dedicated study mode; parents or teens can also schedule “study hours” that automatically enable the study mode at specified times.

OpenAI notes that most of the protections are not new. The company introduced age-prediction capabilities earlier this year, parental controls and a study mode arrived about a year ago, and more frequent break reminders were rolled out last month. The current launch simply consolidates these components under one umbrella and adds a handful of refinements.

According to the company, the safeguards are “based on ongoing safety research,” and OpenAI plans to publish further findings and build additional safety features to help teens benefit from artificial intelligence. “But this approach needs to come with protections that reflect their developmental stage, strengthen real-world connections, and support healthy long-term use,” the statement said. “ChatGPT for Teens is our next step toward building that standard.”