OpenAI launches ChatGPT for teens

Open AI has launched a version of ChatGPT for teens that comes with “extra tools and settings that support learning, creativity, and everyday life”, but includes “age-appropriate protections”.

Alongside more stringent age verification and parental controls, there is a “study mode” feature that provides “step-by-step guidance” in solving problems, instead of giving students answers immediately.

The ChatGPT for those under 18 also comes with stronger safety settings that flag conversations about self-harm, eating disorders, violence and sexual or romantic roleplay.

OpenAI’s new teen-friendly model now attempts to avoid romantic language to prevent teens from forming a human attachment to the AI

97% of young people aged 8 to 17 now use AI tools. A report by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology found that a major concern amongst parents and youth is that AI chatbots act like a romantic partner or close friend.

Further, several suicide cases have been linked to AI. OpenAI was sued in 2025 following the death of Adam Raine, a 16-year-old who had been engaged in numerous conversations with ChatGPT about his suicidal thoughts.

The lawsuit highlighted the model’s inability to refer Adam to helplines and its tendency to validate his harmful thought-processes.

OpenAI’s new teen-friendly model now attempts to avoid romantic language to prevent teens from forming a human attachment to the AI.

This release has launched amidst growing apprehension about AI, due to the recent Open-AI Hugging Face Breach, and Meta’s latest trial over its contribution to teen addiction to social media and mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and suicide.

New models are developing quickly, while AI companies still have not found a consistent approach to keeping their AI tools safe for children and teenagers.

Anthropic is the strictest in requiring users to register accounts, and disabling those created by youth under 18. Google’s Gemini has similar safeguards as OpenAI’s ChatGPT for those under 18, but anyone can use Gemini. Grok has no known safeguards.