OpenAI is preparing to launch a teen-friendly version of ChatGPT later this year, designed with safety at its core. Using age-prediction technology, the system will redirect anyone under 18 or whose age cannot be confirmed to a special teen environment.

This version comes with stronger filters that block inappropriate conversations, including flirtatious chats and discussions on self-harm. In urgent cases, such as when a teen shows signs of suicidal distress, the system could notify parents and, if necessary, alert authorities. Parents will also have the ability to link accounts, set usage limits, monitor chat history, and even enforce app “breaks” for healthier use.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stressed that while adults enjoy more freedom, minors need added protection, even at the cost of some privacy. The move follows lawsuits and public concern after reports linking unsafe chatbot use with tragic outcomes.

Critics, however, question whether these measures truly protect teens or merely turn them into test subjects for evolving AI systems. The debate reflects a bigger challenge: balancing rapid technological growth with ethical responsibility. Ultimately, OpenAI’s teen-specific ChatGPT is not just about innovation, it’s about proving AI can be both safe and trustworthy for society’s most vulnerable users.