ChatGPT Adds Teen Safety Features to Support Healthy AI Use

ChatGPT just became safer for teenagers, with new features designed to help young people use AI in healthier, more balanced ways.

OpenAI announced a suite of protective updates today for users under 18. Teen accounts will be able to disable the chatbot's human voice responses, reducing how person-like the AI seems. The tool will also send regular break reminders and messages like "it can wait" to encourage users to step away.

The changes reflect growing awareness about how young minds interact with AI technology. While OpenAI says this isn't a response to specific incidents, experts across the tech industry have expressed concerns about people becoming emotionally attached to AI tools that seem conscious or human.

Nine out of 10 young ChatGPT users rely on it for learning, according to OpenAI. The company is leaning into that reality with expanded Study Mode features. Teenagers can now set specific hours when the chatbot will walk them through homework without giving direct answers. They can also activate "quiet times" when the tool completely shuts off.

Parents with linked accounts will receive human-reviewed alerts within an hour if their teen makes concerning requests, including those related to eating disorders. OpenAI says it's focusing on "moments when offline support may matter most."

The updates follow similar teen account models from major social networks. Accounts become teen accounts automatically when users identify as under 18 during signup, though the company hasn't detailed how it identifies other underage users. Children under 13 still cannot use ChatGPT at all.

The Ripple Effect

These changes could reshape how all AI companies think about younger users. While some competitors like Anthropic's Claude remain adults-only, OpenAI is choosing to meet teenagers where they are and build protections around their use.

The move comes as governments worldwide consider AI regulation for minors. The UK explored restricting AI chatbots for under-18s alongside social media reforms, though no specific AI rules exist yet.

Medical professionals are taking notice too. Some doctors predict they may one day ask patients about AI usage alongside questions about smoking and drinking, recognizing its potential impact on developing minds.

For now, OpenAI is betting that thoughtful design beats outright bans. By adding guardrails instead of locking teens out entirely, they're acknowledging that AI is already part of young people's lives and working to make that relationship healthier.

The updates roll out today, giving millions of teenage users new tools to stay grounded while exploring what AI can do.