OpenAI has launched ChatGPT for Teens, a version of its AI chatbot specifically designed for users aged 13 to 17, with built-in age prediction to identify minors even when they misrepresent their age.
The teen-specific mode blocks conversations about suicide, self-harm, and romantic or sexual topics. It uses an age-prediction model that analyzes behavioral signals to determine whether an account likely belongs to someone under 18, automatically routing suspected minors into the restricted experience.
Parents can set quiet hours during which the teen cannot access ChatGPT and receive notifications when the system detects high-risk conversations. A dedicated study mode guides students through problems step-by-step rather than providing direct answers, aiming to support learning rather than enable cheating.
The launch comes as OpenAI faces multiple lawsuits tying ChatGPT conversations to teen self-harm cases. The company has been under increasing pressure from lawmakers and child safety advocates to implement stronger protections for younger users.
OpenAI said the age prediction system will improve over time as it gathers more data, and acknowledged that it may occasionally misclassify adult users as minors. The company emphasized that the system is designed as an additional safety layer rather than a replacement for parental oversight.
