OpenAI has launched new parental controls on ChatGPT across web and mobile platforms, giving families greater oversight of how teenagers use the chatbot.
This development comes at a time when regulators and parents are questioning the safety of AI tools for young users.
The new feature allows parents and teenagers to link their accounts, enabling a set of safeguards once both sides accept the invitation. Once connected, parents can decide whether ChatGPT stores past conversations, generates images, or operates in voice mode.
They can also set “quiet hours” to block usage during certain times and prevent their child’s chats from being used to train OpenAI’s systems.
While parents gain more control, they will not be able to read transcripts of their teenager’s conversations. OpenAI explained that in rare situations where serious safety risks are detected, parents may receive alerts containing only the details necessary to protect their child.
A key part of the update is the enhanced content protections built into linked teen accounts. These filters aim to reduce exposure to harmful material such as graphic content, viral challenges, violent or romantic roleplay, and extreme beauty standards. OpenAI stressed that these protections were developed after reviewing research on adolescent development.
Senior Director of AI Programmes at Common Sense Media, Robbie Torney, welcomed the step but emphasised the role of families in creating safer digital spaces: “These parental controls are a good starting point for parents in managing their teen’s ChatGPT use. Parental controls are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to keeping teens safe online, though—they work best when combined with ongoing conversations about responsible AI use, clear family rules about technology, and active involvement in understanding what their teen is doing online.”
The company has also introduced a resource page for parents, bringing together guidance on ChatGPT, tips for safe use, and expert advice. It said the tools will continue to evolve, especially as work progresses on an age-prediction system designed to automatically apply teen-appropriate settings.
In recent months, U.S. regulators have investigated whether chatbots expose minors to harmful interactions. Meta, for instance, had a case when its AI systems were found to allow “flirty” conversations with teenagers.
OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, reported that ChatGPT currently has around 700 million weekly active users; with its new parental controls, the company is hoping to strike a balance between protecting teenagers and supporting families in navigating the fast-growing influence of artificial intelligence at home.
