OpenAI has begun the global rollout of ChatGPT for Teens for users under 18 from August 18. The experience is designed to support learning and safer AI use, with features including Study Mode, Study Hours, Quiet Hours and Parental Controls for eligible teen accounts.
OpenAI has started the global rollout of a new Teen Experience in ChatGPT for users under 18. The experience is being made available to eligible teen accounts on Free and paid personal plans, with a focus on providing a safer, learning-focused AI experience.
ChatGPT for Teens includes Study Mode as a key learning feature. Instead of directly providing answers to homework or problems, it uses questions, hints and step-by-step guidance to help users reach solutions themselves.
ChatGPT may also suggest using Study Mode during homework-related conversations when appropriate. Quizzes and other learning tools are available to help users assess their preparation and understanding.
Through Study Hours, Study Mode can be set as the default for new chats during designated periods. Teens can set these timings themselves, while linked parents or guardians can also manage the setting. Quiet Hours can be used to limit or block ChatGPT use during designated times.
The Teen Experience applies additional safeguards to sensitive areas including self-harm, violence, eating disorders, dangerous activities, and adult or graphic content. During extended conversations, ChatGPT may also suggest that users take a break and remind them that it is an AI tool.
Users may receive warnings about sensitive information before uploading images. OpenAI's age-detection system will attempt to identify whether an account belongs to a user under 18. Users aged 13 to 17 can also enter their age themselves for the Teen Experience.
Parents and guardians can link their accounts and use Parental Controls to manage selected settings. However, they will not be able to read their children's private chats or continuously monitor them.
In certain serious and high-risk situations, OpenAI may send a safety alert to a linked parent. According to the company, such alerts will be limited to the information necessary to help the child.
The rollout of ChatGPT for Teens will expand further in the coming weeks, so the feature may not immediately appear on all eligible accounts. Available features may also vary across regions. In Australia, the experience is expected to be fully available by September 8.
When ChatGPT detects that an account holder has turned 18 or older, the account will leave the Teen Experience. The additional protections and linked parental controls will also be removed. Users who are incorrectly placed in the Teen Experience can have it removed through age verification.
