OpenAI announced the launch of ChatGPT for Teens, a version of its AI chatbot with additional safety features, following years of concerns over teen mental health issues linked to AI use. The new product includes measures aimed at addressing both safety and educational concerns, particularly around cheating in schools. OpenAI said the changes were prompted by lawsuits over AI chatbots’ lack of safety measures and the resulting mental health issues among teens. The company also highlighted the growing educational crisis involving ChatGPT-assisted cheating, which has led to the introduction of new tools designed to encourage deeper learning rather than just quick answers.
ChatGPT for Teens introduces a Study Mode feature that provides guiding questions and step-by-step support to help users understand material better. The AI will also offer homework reminders when it detects attempts to cheat, encouraging the use of Study Mode instead. Parents or guardians can control when Study Mode is enabled by default through the app’s settings. Additionally, the platform supports quizzes, learning visualizations, and parental controls to manage access and safety settings. OpenAI also partnered with CodeAI to help teens learn about AI, including how it works and how to use it effectively.
OpenAI said the age-appropriate protections are now on by default in ChatGPT for Teens, designed to reduce exposure to harmful or developmentally inappropriate content. These measures are based on OpenAI’s Under-18 Principles in its Model Spec, which the company claims are informed by developmental science and expert guidance. Parents can also use existing family tools and parental controls to manage settings, receive safety notifications, and set Quiet Hours. The company acknowledged that it’s unclear how effective these measures will be in practice, given teens’ ability to bypass such systems.
Source: techcrunch
