OpenAI announced on Tuesday the launch of ChatGPT for Teens, a version of its chatbot aimed at users aged 13 to 17 with added content restrictions.

The service is intended to promote safe AI use among adolescents and address concerns about misuse, cheating, and harmful content.

ChatGPT for Teens includes filters that block discussions of suicide, self‑harm, and romantic or sexual topics.

It also provides homework assistance designed to guide students toward answers rather than give direct solutions.

Parents can set quiet hours and receive safety notifications for high‑risk situations such as self‑harm or eating‑disorder concerns.

Age estimation determines whether a user is placed in the teen version, though the system does not verify age directly.

Parental controls require opt‑in from both the teen and a parent or guardian, but OpenAI says the chatbot can be safe without them.

OpenAI’s vice‑president of global policy, Ann O’Leary, said the platform treats teens according to their developmental stage while preventing exposure to inappropriate material.

Head of child development, Allison Mishkin, explained that the model was examined for cues that might lead a teen to form an emotional attachment.

OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, said the company is studying emotional overreliance on the technology among young people.

A 2025 Common Sense Media study found that more than 70% of U.S. teens use AI chatbots for companionship and half use them regularly.

The rollout follows similar restrictions applied by Meta to teen Instagram accounts.

OpenAI will monitor usage and adjust safeguards as needed.