Why Teens Deserve Access to Safe AI

Currently, nearly 9 out of 10 ChatGPT users are using it for learning, gathering information, developing skills, and more. OpenAI believes teens should be able to access AI safely. Just as previous generations were expected to avoid the internet until age 18, access should be provided alongside age-appropriate protections.

Developing Learning-Focused Tools

OpenAI worked with teachers and learning experts to develop Study Mode. This feature guides students to work through problems step by step, emphasizing the thinking process over instant answers. When parents enable Study Mode from the parental control panel, it automatically turns on whenever their child starts a new chat. OpenAI has also provided educational starter prompts to make it easy to begin analyzing topics, organizing notes, and creating flashcards.

Interactive learning experiences are also expanding. Weekly users of the math and science interactive experiences have reached 18 million, and OpenAI has expanded to more than 250 new topics. Audio features supporting pronunciation practice in more than 61 languages have also been added.

Safety Measures Tailored for Teens

When ChatGPT detects a user under 18, it automatically provides an age-appropriate experience. This includes enhanced filtering for violence, self-harm, dangerous challenges, body image content, and inappropriate romantic/adult role-play.

During extended use, break reminders appear more frequently to encourage healthy tech habits. Parental controls allow setting quiet hours, turning off voice mode, managing image generation, and receiving alerts for high-risk situations such as potential self-harm or violent threats. Recently, alert coverage was expanded to include cases where an account has been suspended for policy violations (violent threats).

Expert Collaboration and Transparency

OpenAI is collaborating with organizations specializing in preventing online violence such as Moonshot, the American Psychological Association (APA), and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Educational materials such as family guides and parent tips are provided in more than 50 languages, and OpenAI has open-sourced its teen AI safety policy. It has also joined the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) to participate in developing industry-wide safety standards.