Open AI will restrict teenagers to a new version of ChatGPT with greater mental health safeguards and features to encourage critical thinking, launching globally on Tuesday for 13- to 17-year-olds. The dedicated ChatGPT includes stricter controls around image generation and content regarding self‑harm, violence, eating disorders and sex.

The move follows lawsuits, including one from the family of Adam Raine, a 16‑year‑old who died by suicide after discussing ending his life with ChatGPT, and another related to a school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, Canada. Lauren Jonas, head of youth and families at Open AI, said safety work is never done and highlighted new notifications for eating disorders and violence.

Open AI’s policy bars children under 13 and requires parental consent for users under 18. The teen version adds break reminders, “quiet hours”, an updated “study mode” that guides teens step‑by‑step, and notes that 90 per cent of teens use ChatGPT for learning, aiming to make it a learning tool amid concerns about cognitive off‑loading.