OpenAI is introducing a dedicated ChatGPT mode for teenagers that combines existing youth safeguards with new safety features under one roof. Teen mode will automatically apply to users who identify as being between 13 and 17, as well as those the system estimates to be under 18, while children under 13 are not permitted on the platform.
The teen experience includes tighter restrictions on prohibited or sensitive content such as graphic violence, self-harm depictions, and sexual or romantic roleplay. It also surfaces warnings around sensitive topics like eating disorders, while giving parents controls to set quiet hours and receive notifications about safety alerts if the system flags a possible risk.
Other features target balanced use, including break reminders, teen-specific onboarding, customization options, and "responsible homework reminders" that can recognize when teens appear to try shortcutting assignments and redirect them to a dedicated study mode. Though OpenAI frames this as a new teen-focused experience, many protections are existing features consolidated together, as age-prediction features rolled out earlier this year, parental controls and study mode arrived roughly a year ago, and more frequent break reminders were added last month.