OpenAI adds teen safety tools to ChatGPT

MADISON, Wis. — Artificial intelligence chatbots can answer nearly any question, and about 70% of teens ages 13 to 17 say they use AI tools for homework, according to a recent Common Sense Media survey.

That raises a question for parents: How can they help ensure their children use the technology safely?

OpenAI recently rolled out additional teen protections for ChatGPT. Users who identify as younger than 18 when signing up are automatically placed in protective settings, the company said.

ChatGPT is the most popular AI site among teens, with more than half saying they have used it, according to the Pew Research Center.

The new features include reminders for minors to take breaks after they have been active for 90 minutes within a three-hour period. Parents and teens can also set “quiet hours,” when ChatGPT is unavailable.

A “study hours” mode is designed to provide guidance rather than quick answers.

“This is 24/7, 365 — a continuous effort to make sure we’re getting teens the support that they need in the moment that they need it,” Lauren Jonas, OpenAI’s head of youth well-being and families, said.

OpenAI has faced scrutiny over concerns that ChatGPT can harm young people. The company is facing lawsuits from families who allege ChatGPT contributed to their children’s suicides. They contend that inappropriate conversations contributed to the harm.

OpenAI denies the allegations.

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