OpenAI has introduced a new version of its ChatGPT chatbot, tailored for teenagers aged 13 to 17. Launched today, Tuesday 18 August 2026, ChatGPT for Teens incorporates enhanced safeguards and content restrictions.
The San Francisco-based company states that the new version includes protections against content related to suicide, self-harm, and romantic or sexual chats. It also offers homework and study support, aiming to help students learn independently rather than simply providing answers.
OpenAI's vice-president of global policy, Ann O’Leary, explained that the initiative seeks to guide teenagers towards healthy AI use in an age-appropriate environment. The chatbot is designed to prevent it from suggesting personal feelings or implying consciousness.
Parents can opt-in to parental controls, which allow for setting "quiet hours" and receiving safety notifications in specific high-risk scenarios, such as potential self-harm. OpenAI also noted that additional notifications related to eating disorders are being added, focusing on moments where offline support may be crucial.
The company uses age assurance to estimate if a user is under 18 based on query types, automatically placing identified minors into the teen version. This approach is similar to Meta's strategy for teen accounts on Instagram.