OpenAI launches ChatGPT for Teens
OpenAI on Tuesday launched ChatGPT for Teens, featuring stronger safety protections and features designed to promote healthy use, along with additional controls for parents. OpenAI says that if its system “estimates” that a user is under 18, that user will automatically be seated at the Teens Table. Same thing if they admit they’re between 13 and 17. OpenAI already offered a teen experience in…
OpenAI rolled out ChatGPT for Teens on Tuesday, introducing heightened safety features and tools aimed at fostering responsible usage, alongside extra controls for parents. The system automatically places users under 18 on the Teens Table, or those who disclose being between 13 and 17. Despite offering a teen mode in ChatGPT previously, with parental account linking, age prediction, and content safeguards, this latest version is now a standalone product.
The underlying model of the teen chatbot is equipped with age-appropriate safeguards to limit teens' exposure to potentially "harmful or developmentally inappropriate" content. If a conversation delves into sensitive topics like self-harm, violence, eating disorders, risky activities, or explicit sexual content, the chatbot will step in to redirect the discussion.
OpenAI's new safety measures are grounded in developmental science and expert guidance. Earlier this month, the company hinted at more frequent prompts to discourage teens from using the chatbot excessively. Parents linked to teen accounts can set Quiet Hours, adjust certain settings, and get safety alerts during high-risk scenarios.
Additionally, the chatbot offers new learning aids for at-home study or test prep, such as a "Study Mode" that employs guiding questions and step-by-step assistance to help teens grasp the information. It can detect when a teen is attempting to "shortcut an assignment" and steer them back to Study Mode. Quizzes and Learning Visualizations are also available, providing teens with various ways to practice and test their knowledge.
Parents can choose the times Study Mode is active by default. OpenAI's press release underscores the company's commitment: "AI should support learning, not shortcut it, and educators should maintain control over AI experiences in classrooms."
The launch of ChatGPT for Teens comes amid growing concerns over minors' use of AI, particularly the risk of exposure to harmful content and developing emotional dependencies or inappropriate relationships with chatbots. OpenAI is already embroiled in legal battles over ChatGPT's potential role in teenage deaths and the Tumbler Ridge school shooting, where it is accused of aiding the shooter.
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