Model Spec Update for Teen Protection

OpenAI has added the U18 Principles for teenagers aged 13-17 to the Model Spec. This update is grounded in developmental science, prioritizing prevention, transparency, and early intervention, and aims to provide safe and age-appropriate experiences through consultation with external experts such as the American Psychological Association (APA).

The U18 Principles are built on four core commitments:

• Prioritize teen safety above other objectives, even when they conflict
• Promote real-world support by encouraging offline relationships and trusted resources
• Treat teens as teens, neither dismissing them nor treating them like adults
• Ensure transparency by setting clear expectations

In particular, stronger guardrails are applied to high-risk areas such as self-harm, suicide, romantic/sexual role-play, dangerous activities and substances, and body image and eating disorders. The system is designed to offer safe alternatives or direct users to emergency services and crisis support resources when risky situations are detected.

Along with this, Parental Controls are being expanded to new products including group chats, the ChatGPT Atlas browser, and the Sora app, allowing parents to customize their children's AI usage experience.