ChatGPT for teenagers: what has changed and what opportunities are available

ChatGPT for Teens retains the core capabilities of the service but includes additional safeguards against potentially sensitive and age-inappropriate content. Parents can link their account to their teenager’s account and manage a number of settings.

Who can use ChatGPT for Teens

ChatGPT is not intended for children under 13. Users aged 13 to 18 must obtain parental consent to use the service.

If ChatGPT determines that a user is under 18, the ChatGPT for Teens experience may be automatically enabled for their account. OpenAI also uses an age prediction system to determine when an account may require additional safeguards.

Teenagers do not need to manually enable the special mode. If the account meets the requirements, it is activated automatically.

What teenagers can use ChatGPT for

ChatGPT for Teens is designed not only for school assignments. Teenagers can use the service for studying, working on projects, creative endeavors, and everyday questions.

For example, ChatGPT can help understand complex topics, explain math problems, prepare for exams, create project plans, or study foreign languages.

OpenAI specifically emphasizes the educational aspect. ChatGPT includes tools that help users not just get ready-made answers, but understand the topic and develop independent thinking skills.

What parents can control

A parent or guardian can link their account to the teenager’s account through the “Parental Controls” section.

After linking, parents can manage various settings. For example, they can enable or disable voice mode, image generation, certain ChatGPT Work features, the use of saved memories, and other capabilities. Parents can also set quiet hours during which the teenager cannot use ChatGPT.

Parents can also enable a mode where new chats start in Study Mode by default. This helps use ChatGPT specifically as a learning tool.

What happens after turning 18

When ChatGPT determines that a user has turned 18, the account gradually exits the ChatGPT for Teens mode. Additional safeguards for teenagers are disabled, and the user gains access to the settings and features available to adult users.

If the account was linked to a parent’s account, this link is also terminated.

Why OpenAI launched a separate mode

OpenAI explains the launch of the teen experience as a need to consider the user’s age when interacting with AI. The company emphasizes additional safety measures, support for interaction between teenagers and parents or other trusted adults, and more transparent use of the service.

OpenAI notes that safety systems are not completely foolproof. Therefore, the company recommends that teenagers use ChatGPT as an additional tool, not as a replacement for help from parents, teachers, and other adults.