OpenAI Introduces Parental Controls for ChatGPT
Key Points
- OpenAI rolls out parental controls for ChatGPT.
- Parents can link accounts with teens to set safety limits.
- Sensitive content is reduced by default for linked teen accounts.
- Controls include memory retention, quiet hours, and disabling voice/image features.
- Parents decide if teen chats are used to improve future models.
- Account linking requires mutual consent; parents do not see full chat logs.
- Safety measures are part of OpenAI’s broader effort to protect younger users.
OpenAI has launched parental controls for ChatGPT, allowing parents to link their accounts with teen accounts to set safeguards. Features include default reduction of sensitive content, the ability to limit memory retention, quiet hours, and the option to disable voice and image generation. Parents can also decide whether a teen's chats are used to improve future models. Account linking requires mutual consent, and parents do not gain direct access to chat content except in rare safety‑risk situations. The rollout aims to provide stronger safety measures for younger users while preserving user privacy.
New Safety Features for Young Users
OpenAI announced that parental controls for ChatGPT are now available. The feature lets parents and teens link their accounts, creating a partnership that enables stronger safeguards for users under the age limit. When a teen account is connected, the system automatically reduces exposure to graphic or viral content.
Customizable Controls
Parents can manage several settings:
- Memory retention – decide if ChatGPT can remember past conversations for personalized responses.
- Quiet hours – set specific times when the teen cannot use the service.
- Voice and image generation – optionally turn off these capabilities.
- Data usage – choose whether the teen’s chats may be used to train future models.
These controls are accessed through the Settings menu under Accounts.
Consent‑Based Linking
Linking requires mutual consent: a parent or teen sends an invitation, and the other party must accept it. OpenAI notifies parents if the teen disconnects the account. Importantly, parents do not receive direct access to the teen’s chat logs; only in rare cases where a serious safety risk is detected might limited information be shared with reviewers.
Broader Safety Initiative
The parental controls are part of OpenAI’s broader push for stronger safeguards across its platform. By giving families tools to tailor the experience, OpenAI aims to balance the benefits of conversational AI with the need for responsible use among younger audiences.