OpenAI, the Microsoft-backed artificial intelligence company, is rolling out a new version of ChatGPT designed specifically for users under the age of 18. This decision comes after serious concerns were raised about the chatbot’s potential impact on teenagers’ mental health. The move follows both new research on AI risks and a lawsuit filed by the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine, who tragically died by suicide earlier this year.
According to the lawsuit, Raine’s interactions with ChatGPT worsened his struggles with anxiety and intrusive thoughts. It even alleged that the chatbot “acted as a coach,” providing harmful guidance on how to end his life. These claims have placed OpenAI under intense scrutiny, forcing the company to rethink how young people should engage with AI.
Age Prediction and Default Teen Experience
To prevent similar tragedies, OpenAI has announced the use of age-prediction technology to detect younger users. If the system cannot confidently determine a user’s age, ChatGPT will default to the under-18 version as a precaution. This ensures that teens and children are shielded from features or conversations that may be inappropriate or unsafe.
The teen version will include:
- Enhanced safeguards for sensitive topics such as suicide and mental health.
- Parental controls that allow guardians to manage settings.
- Better monitoring of prolonged chats to prevent overdependence.
- Age-appropriate filters and rules for interactions.
How the Teen Version Will Work
Parents will now have the ability to link their accounts with their teen’s ChatGPT profile through invitations. This setup enables guardians to control features like chat history, memory, and even set blackout hours during which their teen cannot use the chatbot.
A new alert system will also notify parents if the AI detects that a teen may be experiencing “a moment of acute distress.” These tools are meant to balance accessibility with protection, giving families more oversight while still allowing teens to benefit from AI in education and creativity.
Political and Regulatory Pressure
The timing of OpenAI’s announcement is significant, arriving just before a Senate hearing on AI risks for teenagers, led by Senator Josh Hawley alongside a bipartisan group of lawmakers. At the same time, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an inquiry into chatbot safety, requesting information from major AI players including OpenAI, Meta, Alphabet, Snap, and Character.AI.
With mounting concerns about AI’s role in teen mental health, OpenAI’s new safeguards reflect both public pressure and ethical responsibility. While technology can empower young people, it must be carefully managed to avoid harm. The teen-focused version of ChatGPT, expected by the end of the year, could become a model for how AI platforms balance innovation with safety.
