OpenAI launches safer ChatGPT version for teens
Following multiple lawsuits linking AI chatbots to teen suicides and mental health issues, OpenAI on Monday announced ChatGPT for Teens, a new version with added safety measures and educational tools.
OpenAI announced on Monday the launch of ChatGPT for Teens, a new product aimed at both improving safety and addressing the growing problem of students using ChatGPT to cheat on schoolwork. The launch follows numerous lawsuits accusing the company of failing to provide adequate safety measures in its chatbot, with critics linking the product to teen suicides and other mental health concerns.
A new Study Mode
On the educational front, ChatGPT for Teens introduces a Study Mode feature along with other tools intended to encourage teens to engage their own curiosity rather than simply seek quick answers. According to an OpenAI blog post, Study Mode offers guiding questions and step-by-step support to help teens understand material rather than just get answers handed to them.
When the system detects a teen may be trying to cheat rather than learn, it will show homework reminders and nudge the user toward Study Mode instead. The app also supports quizzes and learning visualizations, while parents or guardians can set controls to enable Study Mode by default.
However, it remains unclear how easily teens could circumvent these new protections if they choose not to cooperate. Teens have historically proven skilled at working around parental controls, and the new system has yet to face rigorous real-world testing.
Additional safety protections
ChatGPT for Teens will include age-appropriate protections enabled by default, designed to limit exposure to harmful or developmentally inappropriate content. These measures are based on OpenAI's Under-18 Principles within its Model Spec, which the company says are informed by developmental science and expert guidance.
Parents will be able to use previously introduced family tools and parental controls to manage settings, receive safety notifications, and set Quiet Hours. OpenAI also announced a partnership with CodeAI to help teens better understand how AI works and how to use it effectively. The company already offers ChatGPT for Teachers to give schools institution-managed access to AI tools.
