- OpenAI introduced ChatGPT for Teens on Tuesday (August 18, 2026), tailored for minors with parental controls and enhanced security features in place, as platforms face fierce criticism over the risks associated with AI chatbots.
- The new version automatically engages when a user is estimated to be under 18 or self-identifies their age as between 13 and 17, aiming to encourage critical thinking and real-world support for teenagers.
- OpenAI stated, “We believe AI should expand educational opportunity, which is why we designed ChatGPT for Teens to support moments outside the classroom when help is not always available, while keeping teens engaged in an active and collaborative learning process.”
- OpenAI added that it has enhanced controls allowing parents to link accounts, set “Quiet Hours”, manage certain settings and receive notifications in high-risk situations, including new notifications related to eating disorders.
- OpenAI launched ChatGPT for Teens to address AI chatbots’ lack of safety measures, which have led to teens’ suicides and other mental health concerns.
- The new product promises to include additional safety measures and address the educational crisis of ChatGPT-assisted cheating in schools.
- ChatGPT for Teens introduces a new Study Mode feature and tools designed to encourage teen users to engage their curiosity and work through problems.
- The Study Mode option will provide teens with guiding questions and step-by-step support to help them understand the material.
- The app will include homework reminders that appear when a teen seems to be trying to cheat, promoting understanding of the material.
- The app will support quizzes and learning visualizations, with controls for parents or guardians to manage Study Mode settings.
- Age-appropriate protections will be on by default in ChatGPT for Teens, designed to reduce exposure to harmful or developmentally inappropriate content.
- These safety measures are based on OpenAI’s claims, informed by developmental science and guidance from experts.
- Parents will have access to family tools and parental controls to manage settings, receive safety notifications, and set Quiet Hours.
- OpenAI announced a partnership with CodeAI to help teens learn more about AI, including its functionality and usage.
OpenAI's new ChatGPT for Teens aims to provide a safer AI experience for users aged 13 to 17, incorporating parental controls and enhanced safety features.1571113
The platform automatically engages with users who self-identify as teenagers, promoting critical thinking and real-world support.2
"We believe AI should expand educational opportunity, which is why we designed ChatGPT for Teens to support moments outside the classroom when help is not always available," OpenAI stated.
The app includes features like Study Mode, which offers guiding questions and step-by-step support to help teens understand their material rather than just providing quick answers.810
Additionally, the platform introduces homework reminders to discourage cheating and supports quizzes and learning visualizations.9
OpenAI has also implemented age-appropriate protections by default, aiming to reduce exposure to harmful content.
Parents can link accounts, set Quiet Hours, manage settings, and receive notifications in high-risk situations, including alerts related to eating disorders.4
This launch follows increased scrutiny over AI chatbots' safety, particularly after incidents linked to mental health concerns among teens.
OpenAI's partnership with CodeAI will further educate teens on AI, enhancing their understanding of its functionality and ethical use.14
“The new ChatGPT for Teens automatically engages users under 18, promoting critical thinking and real-world support. OpenAI emphasizes that the app includes safety measures informed by developmental science, aiming to reduce exposure to harmful content and address educational challenges.”
TechCrunch
