Who is placed into ChatGPT for Teens?

Anyone who states they are 13 to 17, or whose account OpenAI’s age-prediction system flags as likely under 18, is automatically moved into the teen experience on free and paid personal plans.

Can a teen or parent turn off the teen protections?

A user who is misclassified can verify their age to return to the standard experience. Parents can adjust settings through family controls, but the core safety protections stay on by default.

Does ChatGPT for Teens cost extra?

No. It is available on both free and paid personal ChatGPT plans at no additional cost.

Why did OpenAI build a teen-specific version now?

The launch follows lawsuits alleging that ChatGPT’s lack of teen safeguards contributed to mental health crises among young users, alongside broader scrutiny of how AI chatbots interact with minors.

A learning-focused mode, developed with input from Stanford University, that guides teens through homework with questions and step-by-step support rather than giving direct answers.

OpenAI Launches ChatGPT for Teens With Built-In Safeguards

OpenAI has begun rolling out ChatGPT for Teens, a dedicated version of its chatbot built specifically for users aged 13 to 17. The global rollout to eligible teen accounts on both free and paid personal plans started August 18, 2026, with full availability in Australia expected by September 8.

Accounts are placed into the teen experience automatically: OpenAI enrolls anyone who states they are 13 to 17, as well as anyone its age-prediction system estimates is under 18. Users who are misclassified can verify their age to switch back to the standard adult version of ChatGPT.

Built-in guardrails

The teen version turns on content protections by default, restricting conversations about suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, and sexual or romantic content. OpenAI says the chatbot is instructed not to use romantic language with teens or claim to have feelings or consciousness. Parents can layer on family controls, including safety notifications and Quiet Hours that pause new chats during set times.

A push toward studying, not shortcuts

For schoolwork, OpenAI added a Study Mode, developed with input from Stanford University, that walks teens through problems with guiding questions instead of handing over direct answers. A “responsible homework reminders” feature is designed to recognize when a teen is trying to shortcut an assignment and nudge them toward Study Mode instead. The features extend OpenAI’s broader push into education, following moves like the free unlimited chat tier it opened up for ChatGPT users earlier this year.

Responding to safety scrutiny

The launch follows a string of lawsuits accusing OpenAI of inadequate safeguards after teenagers in mental health crises turned to ChatGPT, which has amassed roughly 900 million weekly active users since its 2022 debut without teen-specific protections. Rivals, including Meta, have faced similar scrutiny over how their chatbots interact with minors. OpenAI says the new default settings and the underlying GPT models reflect what it calls its “Under-18 Principles,” developed with outside child-development experts.

Built-in guardrails

A push toward studying, not shortcuts

Responding to safety scrutiny

Frequently asked questions