ChatGPT for Teens tackles risky chats and homework shortcuts

OpenAI has addressed complaints around teens’ use of its ChatGPT system by introducing ChatGPT for Teens, a version of the AI assistant designed specifically for users aged 13 to 17. But will it prevent determined kids from bucking the system?

It brings together several protections OpenAI has introduced over the past year, along with new features intended to encourage healthier and safer use.

What ChatGPT for Teens does

The system brings together various protections that OpenAI has built into ChatGPT over the last year into a more unified experience. For example, last September it added parental controls that enabled parents to set Quiet Hours, when kids couldn’t use the chat system, and turn off memory so it won’t use previous conversations when responding.

It also built a notification system to warn parents if chats with teens took a bad turn. ChatGPT for Teens adds extra notifications for parents around eating disorders.

Study Mode, one of the main features, is designed to stop teens simply using ChatGPT to do their homework for them. Instead of giving direct, easy answers, it uses guiding questions and step-by-step prompts to encourage them to think through the problem themselves. OpenAI introduced Study Mode in July 2025.

What is new is the ability to set specific hours for Study Mode, along with responsible homework reminders. The system will spot when a teen appears to be using AI answers to shortcut an assignment and redirect them towards Study Mode.

OpenAI also says ChatGPT won’t use romantic language or encourage emotional dependence, and neither will it pretend to have feelings or to be conscious. It is introducing reminders not to upload sensitive images, and there will be an onboarding user interface for teens.

The record that forced the changes

That all seems positive, if long overdue.

OpenAI has addressed complaints around teens’ use of its ChatGPT system by introducing ChatGPT for Teens, a version of the AI assistant designed specifically for users aged 13 to 17. But will it prevent determined kids from bucking the system?

It brings together several protections OpenAI has introduced over the past year, along with new features intended to encourage healthier and safer use.

What ChatGPT for Teens does

The system brings together various protections that OpenAI has built into ChatGPT over the last year into a more unified experience. For example, last September it added parental controls that enabled parents to set Quiet Hours, when kids couldn’t use the chat system, and turn off memory so it won’t use previous conversations when responding.

It also built a notification system to warn parents if chats with teens took a bad turn. ChatGPT for Teens adds extra notifications for parents around eating disorders.

Study Mode, one of the main features, is designed to stop teens simply using ChatGPT to do their homework for them. Instead of giving direct, easy answers, it uses guiding questions and step-by-step prompts to encourage them to think through the problem themselves. OpenAI introduced Study Mode in July 2025.

What is new is the ability to set specific hours for Study Mode, along with responsible homework reminders. The system will spot when a teen appears to be using AI answers to shortcut an assignment and redirect them towards Study Mode.

OpenAI also says ChatGPT won’t use romantic language or encourage emotional dependence, and neither will it pretend to have feelings or to be conscious.