OpenAI Rolls Out Teen-Safe Version of ChatGPT with Parental Controls
Written by b87fm on 09/16/2025
OpenAI is tightening the reins on how teenagers use its wildly popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT. On Tuesday (Sept. 16), the company announced it’s launching a dedicated under-18 experience complete with parental controls—a move designed to block graphic and sexual content while stepping in with extra safeguards if a teen appears to be in serious distress.
At the heart of the update is new age-prediction tech. If the system isn’t sure how old a user is, it will automatically default to the safer, teen-focused version. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman made the company’s stance clear, telling CNBC,
“This is a new and powerful technology, and we believe minors need significant protection.” Translation: privacy takes a backseat to safety when it comes to teens.
Parents will also get new tools by the end of the month. They’ll be able to link their own ChatGPT accounts to their teen’s, set blackout hours, manage features, and even receive alerts if the system detects signs of emotional crisis.
The timing isn’t random. The Federal Trade Commission has already launched an inquiry into how AI chatbots impact kids and teens, pushing companies like OpenAI to show they’re serious about responsibility.
With millions of young people experimenting with AI every day, this update could set the tone for how the next generation engages with tech that’s as powerful as it is unpredictable.
