OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Teen Mode Under Safety Scrutiny

OpenAI is rolling out a new default experience for teenage users of ChatGPT that combines existing safety measures with additional restrictions and prompts aimed at encouraging more deliberate use of the tool. The change follows increased public and regulatory attention to how generative AI systems interact with younger people, including a lawsuit filed last year after the death of a 16-year-old user.

The feature, called ChatGPT for Teens, will automatically apply to accounts where users indicate they are between 13 and 17 years old or where the system estimates the user is under 18. OpenAI does not allow accounts for children under 13. Company officials said the mode does not require a separate account or any action from the user. Lauren Jonas, who leads youth and family policy at OpenAI, described the approach as an attempt to set appropriate defaults rather than rely on parents or teens to opt in.

The new settings tighten limits on content that includes graphic violence, self-harm material, and sexual or romantic roleplay. The system will also display additional warnings about topics such as eating disorders. Parents will be able to set quiet hours and receive alerts when the platform flags possible safety concerns. Other adjustments include reminders before teens upload sensitive images and options to customize colors and voices.

On the learning side, the mode incorporates Study Mode, which OpenAI introduced earlier and which steers conversations toward guiding users to answers rather than supplying them directly. New “responsible homework reminders” will detect when a teen appears to be seeking shortcuts on assignments and redirect them to the study interface. Families can also schedule specific study hours during which the mode activates automatically.

The announcement comes nearly a year after OpenAI said it would develop age-detection tools in response to the lawsuit over Adam Raine’s death. The company has faced similar scrutiny as other platforms introduce age-verification requirements and content filters for younger audiences. OpenAI said the teen mode reflects two priorities: protecting users from harmful content and steering the tool toward educational rather than purely recreational use.

Implementation will begin immediately for new and existing accounts that meet the age criteria. The company has not released detailed data on how many users fall into the 13-to-17 range or how the age-estimation model performs across different regions and demographics. Jonas noted that the system will continue to evolve based on feedback from teens, parents, and external experts.

The rollout occurs at a moment when schools and families are still determining how generative AI fits into daily routines for adolescents. OpenAI’s approach places the burden of appropriate defaults on the platform itself while giving parents limited controls over timing and alerts. Whether these measures prove sufficient will depend on how effectively the restrictions are enforced and how teens respond to the nudges toward study-oriented interactions.