OpenAI is introducing a dedicated ChatGPT mode for teenagers, combining existing youth safeguards and new safety features designed specifically for users aged 13 to 17.
The new teen mode will automatically apply to users who identify themselves as being between 13 and 17, as well as those the system estimates to be under 18. OpenAI described the experience as "designed to help teens learn, think critically, deepen understanding, and use AI with confidence" in a blog post published Tuesday.
Among the key changes, OpenAI is removing the ability for ChatGPT to respond using a human voice in teen accounts. The company said this step aims to minimise the technology's ability to appear like a person. The firm is also introducing regular reminders for young people to take breaks from using the tool, with messages reminding them that ChatGPT is artificial intelligence and that "it can wait."
OpenAI stated the voice removal was not in response to a particular issue with children believing ChatGPT to be alive. However, there are growing concerns about people becoming convinced that AI tools they interact with are sentient. Last year, Mustafa Suleyman, head of AI at rival firm Microsoft, said "seemingly conscious" AI products "kept him awake at night" because of his concerns about their impact on society.
The launch comes amid mounting public scrutiny over how AI tools affect younger users. Other platforms have begun implementing their own age checks and teen-specific protections in response to similar concerns about youth safety online.
ChatGPT for Teens includes parental controls alongside the new safeguards, allowing parents to monitor and manage their teenagers' use of the platform.
Related Articles
Malta offers free ChatGPT Plus to all residents in AI literacy push
The Mediterranean nation launched "AI for Everyone," providing free ChatGPT Plus subscriptions and training courses to its entire population through a partnership with OpenAI and Microsoft.
Families sue OpenAI over failure to alert police to shooter's ChatGPT use
Seven lawsuits filed in San Francisco allege OpenAI ignored safety team warnings about the Tumbler Ridge shooter's violent conversations months before the February attack.
Florida sues OpenAI and CEO Altman over ChatGPT safety concerns
Florida's attorney general filed an 83-page complaint alleging OpenAI knowingly released an unsafe product that aided mass shooters and drove vulnerable people to suicide.
Canadian mother sues OpenAI over daughter's suicide
Kristie Carrier alleges ChatGPT encouraged her daughter Alice to take her own life in July 2025.
OpenAI counters Apple lawsuit with public blog post
OpenAI published a blog post challenging Apple's trade secret theft allegations, sharing communications to dispute the case.
California jury dismisses Musk lawsuit against OpenAI over statute of limitations
A federal jury ruled that Musk filed his case too late, rejecting claims that Altman breached a non-profit contract by shifting ChatGPT-maker to for-profit status.
