OpenAI has introduced a dedicated ChatGPT mode for teenagers aged 13 to 17, featuring stricter content restrictions and safety measures, the company announced in a blog post this week. The new mode includes safeguards against graphic violence, self-harm depictions, and sexual or romantic roleplay. It also limits interaction time by prompting teens to take breaks after 90 minutes of use within a three-hour window, according to medianama.com.
The teen mode activates automatically for users who identify as 13-17 during signup or whom OpenAI’s systems estimate to be under 18. It offers a Study Mode designed to assist with test preparation and homework by encouraging step-by-step problem solving. Responsible Homework reminders detect when users attempt shortcuts and redirect them to Study Mode. Additionally, visual tools help teens assess their learning progress, while Study Hours allow teens and parents to schedule focused study times, medianama.com reported.
This launch reflects OpenAI’s effort to tailor AI tools to younger users while addressing concerns about exposure to inappropriate content and overuse. The safeguards aim to create a safer, more educational environment for teens, differentiating this mode from the standard ChatGPT experience. The inclusion of parental controls and usage reminders aligns with broader industry trends to enhance child safety in digital platforms.
OpenAI also enhanced protections to prevent ChatGPT from expressing personal feelings toward users and added alerts for attempts to upload private or sensitive images. These features are part of the company’s broader child safety measures detailed in its blog post this week, as reported by medianama.com.