OpenAI Introduces ChatGPT for Teens Amid Legal Pressure

OpenAI has introduced a dedicated version of ChatGPT for teenagers aged 13 to 17, with stronger safeguards, parental controls and age-appropriate features. The move comes amid growing legal and public scrutiny over the potential risks of AI chatbots to young users

Daniel Momodu · August 18, 2026 · 51

OpenAI has introduced a version of ChatGPT specifically designed for teenagers aged 13 to 17, with enhanced safety measures aimed at protecting young users.

The company said the new teen experience would apply stronger restrictions around sensitive content, including self-harm, suicide, violence, eating disorders and sexual or romantic interactions.

The update also includes parental controls that allow parents to manage certain aspects of their teenagers’ use of ChatGPT, including quiet hours and safety notifications in situations requiring urgent adult support.

OpenAI’s age-prediction system will be used to identify users who are likely to be under 18 and place them in the teen experience. Adults who are incorrectly identified as minors can use age-verification options to access the adult experience.

The company said the teen version would also discourage emotional dependence on the chatbot by preventing it from presenting itself as having feelings or consciousness.

Other features include reminders for teenagers to take breaks and a stronger emphasis on learning through tools such as Study Mode, which encourages students to work through problems rather than simply receiving answers.

The move comes as OpenAI faces increasing legal and public pressure over the potential effects of ChatGPT on young people.

Several lawsuits have accused the company of failing to adequately protect vulnerable users, including a case involving the family of a teenager who died by suicide after extensive interactions with ChatGPT. The allegations remain contested.

OpenAI has maintained that teenagers are already using AI tools and that providing them with a safer, age-appropriate experience is preferable to leaving them exposed to an unrestricted chatbot.

The company said its approach would continue to evolve as research into the effects of AI on young people develops.

The launch further reflects growing pressure on technology companies to introduce stronger safeguards for minors as AI becomes increasingly integrated into education, entertainment and everyday communication.