OpenAI Develops Dedicated Teen Version of ChatGPT
Key Points
- OpenAI is building a ChatGPT version tailored for users under 18.
- Age‑prediction technology routes uncertain users to the teen experience.
- Stricter filters block flirtation and self‑harm discussions.
- Crisis response may alert parents and contact authorities if needed.
- Parental controls include account linking and blackout hour settings.
- Launch is planned for the end of the year amid heightened legislative scrutiny.
OpenAI announced a new version of ChatGPT designed specifically for users under 18. The teen‑focused experience includes age‑prediction technology that directs younger users away from the standard model, stricter content filters that block flirtatious or self‑harm discussions, and built‑in crisis response that can alert parents or authorities. Parental controls let adults link accounts, set response rules, and enforce blackout periods. The rollout follows heightened scrutiny from lawmakers and recent lawsuits alleging AI‑related harms to minors, positioning the teen mode as a proactive safety measure.
OpenAI Introduces a Teen‑Specific ChatGPT Experience
OpenAI disclosed that it is creating a separate version of its ChatGPT chatbot for teenagers. The initiative is framed as a major safety step, aiming to protect younger users from potentially harmful content and interactions.
Age‑Verification and Default Routing
The new system uses age‑prediction technology to identify users who appear to be under 18. When the model cannot confidently assess a user’s age, it automatically defaults to the teen‑specific experience, ensuring that younger users are kept out of the standard version.
Content Filters and Conversation Limits
Built‑in filters are stricter than those in the standard chatbot. They block flirtatious dialogue and any discussion of self‑harm, even when presented in a fictional or creative‑writing context. This is intended to reduce exposure to topics that could negatively affect teen mental health.
Crisis Response and Parental Alerts
If a teenager expresses suicidal thoughts, the system may attempt to alert the user’s parents and, in emergency situations, could contact authorities. This crisis‑response feature is designed to provide rapid assistance when a user appears to be in danger.
Parental Controls and Account Linking
Parents can link their accounts to a teen’s profile, set specific response rules, and enforce “blackout hours” during which the application is inaccessible. These controls give guardians direct oversight of how the chatbot interacts with their children.
Regulatory Context and Legislative Pressure
The announcement arrives amid a Senate hearing examining the potential threats AI poses to young people. Lawmakers have intensified pressure on tech companies to enhance safety features for minors following lawsuits that claim AI platforms have contributed to mental‑health challenges.
Industry Comparisons
OpenAI’s move mirrors earlier actions by other tech firms that introduced protected environments for younger audiences, such as a kid‑focused version of a video platform, in response to criticism and regulatory scrutiny.
Planned Rollout
OpenAI intends to launch the teen‑focused ChatGPT experience by the end of the year, positioning it as a proactive solution to address concerns about AI interactions with minors.
Resources for Those in Crisis
In addition to the new safety features, the announcement reiterates that individuals experiencing immediate danger should call emergency services, and those with suicidal thoughts in the United States can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.