OpenAI launches ChatGPT for teens with new protections

It is not necessary to create a new account to access the mode. OpenAI uses an age prediction system that analyzes different signals related to the account and usage pattern. If you determine that the user is likely to be a minor, the teen experience is applied by default.

If an adult is incorrectly classified as a teenager, they can perform an age check to remove these restrictions.

ChatGPT for teenagers will focus more on studies

One of the priorities of the new experience is to encourage the use of artificial intelligence as a learning tool.

OpenAI has been expanding features such as Study Mode, designed to help users reach answers through questions, structured explanations and exercises, rather than simply providing a ready-made solution. Parents with accounts linked to their children can also set times when new conversations automatically start in this mode.

The platform also offers suggestions aimed at education, such as transforming notes into study guides, creating flashcards, creating practice questions and breaking down complex subjects into simpler steps.

OpenAI imposes stricter limits on teenagers

ChatGPT for Teens adopts more restrictive rules on certain topics. These include additional protections related to sexual content, graphic violence, self-harm, dangerous challenges, eating disorders, extreme beauty standards and activities unsuitable for minors.

Another focus is to prevent teenagers from treating artificial intelligence as a substitute for real relationships.

The model was trained not to encourage emotional dependence, not to participate in certain romantic scenarios and not to present itself as an alternative to friends, family or other human relationships. OpenAI also directs the system to make it clear that ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence, and not a person with their own feelings or consciousness.

When it identifies that a teenager may need support, ChatGPT is advised to encourage the search for parents, guardians, teachers, professionals or other trusted people.

Parents gain more control over ChatGPT

Parental controls have also been expanded. Parents or guardians can link their accounts to those of teenagers and manage certain features, such as voice mode, image generation, sensitive content, study schedules and periods in which ChatGPT cannot be used.

The link, however, does not allow parents to read conversations, history or monitor in real time what the teenager is doing on ChatGPT.

In situations considered high risk, linked accounts can generate security notifications to those responsible. According to OpenAI's current documentation, these alerts are anticipated in specific cases, such as when trained reviewers identify a serious concern related to self-harm or when there are certain actions involving a risk of violence. The content of conversations is not sent to parents.

System tries to automatically identify age

Age prediction is one of the main tools OpenAI uses to separate the experiences of adults and teenagers.

The system considers a combination of information, such as declared age, how long the account has been in existence, times of use and activity patterns. If there is doubt about the user's age, the company states that they can opt for the most protected experience.

Age prediction technology is being expanded internationally. In the European Union, implementation occurs gradually to meet regional requirements.

With ChatGPT for Teens, OpenAI states that it intends to preserve teenagers' access to artificial intelligence for studies, creativity and skill development, but with specific rules to reduce risks and encourage a more balanced use of technology.

Free ChatGPT no longer has limits on conversations

In addition to text conversations no longer having limits, users of the free version of ChatGPT also now have access to one of the latest Artificial Intelligence models from OpenAI.