Casablanca – OpenAI has started rolling out ChatGPT for Teens, a version of its AI chatbot designed for users under 18 with added protections, learning tools and optional parental controls.
The rollout began globally on August 18 for eligible teen accounts on both free and paid personal ChatGPT plans, while full availability in Australia is expected on September 8. OpenAI said the new features may not appear on every eligible account immediately as the rollout continues over the coming weeks.
ChatGPT for Teens comes with a teen-specific onboarding process, and features focused on learning, creativity and everyday use. These include study mode, which can provide hints, step-by-step guidance, follow-up questions and knowledge checks. Quizzes may also be available to help users practice and test their understanding.
The company has also added homework reminders that may suggest using study mode and help teens work through assignments step by step. Study hours can be set by the teen or a linked parent or guardian, allowing eligible new chats to start in study mode during selected periods.
Other features are aimed at encouraging more balanced use. ChatGPT may remind teens to take breaks and make clear that they are interacting with an AI tool. Before some image uploads, users may also see a reminder to check for sensitive information before sharing it.
OpenAI said parents and guardians can optionally link their accounts through parental controls to manage selected settings. Quiet hours can limit access during scheduled times, while study hours can be used without blocking access to ChatGPT entirely.
Parents cannot use these controls to read or monitor a teen’s conversations. In limited cases where OpenAI sends a safety notification, only the information needed to support the teen’s safety is shared.
The system is automatically enabled when account-provided age information, verified age or age prediction indicates that an account holder is under 18. Once an account holder is identified as 18 or older, the account may move out of the teen experience, which can remove teen protections and end a linked parental-control connection. Some protections can later be reinstated.
