OpenAI introduces a safer ChatGPT experience for teenagers

ChatGPT for Teens, launched August 18, 2026 for ages 13-17, uses stronger safeguards. Linked parents can manage quiet hours, sensitive-content reduction, memory, voice, images and model-training settings. Defined alerts may arrive in acute self-harm risk; chats generally cannot be read.

Age-aware product modes are becoming an architecture requirement. Schools and families should review age estimation, consent, data minimisation and escalation procedures.