The majority of teens use artificial intelligence, including ChatGPT, for schoolwork and entertainment. Now OpenAI has created a new dedicated product for them: ChatGPT for Teens.
This customizable version of ChatGPT, which debuted Tuesday, is designed to “support” learning and human relationships, according to OpenAI’s launch announcement. It will be the default experience for any self-identified teen or users who OpenAI estimate are between the ages of 13 and 17.
“The goal is to make this a learning tool for teens and make sure that it’s the best that it can be with built-in safeguards,” Lauren Jonas, head of youth and families at OpenAI, told Mashable.
ChatGPT for Teens debuts at a time of intense scrutiny for OpenAI. It recently announced that one of its agents hacked into another company. OpenAI also faces numerous safety-related lawsuits alleging that ChatGPT has encouraged dependency and put adult and minor users in dangerous or life-ending situations.
What is ChatGPT for Teens like?
ChatGPT for Teens incorporates existing safety measures for minors and introduces new learning and well-being features.
The product offers frequent break prompts, reminders that users are interacting with AI, warnings against uploading sensitive images, and parental notifications when users discuss acts of violence.
OpenAI said ChatGPT for Teens shouldn’t use romantic language, suggest that it possesses feelings or consciousness, or foster emotional dependence.
“If they are not engaging in learning-focused content, the goal is to continue to bolster the age-appropriate experience and the safeguards,” Jonas told Mashable.
She added that, moving forward, all starter prompts in ChatGPT for Teens will be related to education rather than other personal topics.
The product includes new features like reminders to complete homework responsibly to prevent shortcuts and quizzes based on chat content or a user’s notes.
Additionally, the new “Study Hours” setting allows teens and parents to restrict ChatGPT to Study Mode for set periods of time each day. Study Mode is designed to help teens with learning by employing “step-by-step collaborative problem solving.”
Both parents and teens can set Study Hours, as well as Quiet Hours, an existing setting that shuts ChatGPT down altogether.
Young users can customize ChatGPT for Teens with color accents, app icons, and voice variations.
Promising ChatGPT examples, lingering concerns
OpenAI highlighted impressive examples of how teens use ChatGPT in its announcement.
Two teen users in Virginia developed a search-and-rescue system by asking ChatGPT to help with research and prototyping. A Texas user created a platform that generates audio-based educational games for blind students.
The inspiring anecdotes, however, may be overshadowed by darker examples.
Last week, Massachusetts authorities accused a 17-year-old boy of murdering his mother and younger brother after using ChatGPT to play out fantasy stories involving their deaths.
OpenAI has been sued for the wrongful deaths of teen users who died by suicide after prolonged, heavy engagement with ChatGPT. At least one of those teens, Adam Raine, began using ChatGPT for homework help before becoming emotionally reliant on the chatbot, according to the lawsuit filed by his parents last year.
The state of Florida is suing the company for allegedly deceiving consumers about ChatGPT’s safety. OpenAI has previously denied wrongdoing in response to some of these allegations.
As of ChatGPT for Teens’ launch, OpenAI sends parental notifications when teen users with parental controls discuss self-harm, suicide, and violence in immediate or potentially dangerous ways.
If you’re feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can reach the Trans Lifeline by calling 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text “START” to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email [email protected]. If you don’t like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat. Here is a list of international resources.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.
