.png){kind=logo}
OpenAI has introduced parental controls in ChatGPT. This enables guardians to exert greater regulation and teenagers to receive more protection when using the AI tool. The update, which was announced on X (previously Twitter), enables parents and teens to connect accounts. This allows them to install safety settings that remain in effect until manually disabled.
“Introducing parental controls in ChatGPT. Now parents and teens can link accounts to automatically get stronger safeguards for teens. Parents also gain tools to adjust features & set limits that work for their family,” the company posted.
The feature is now rolling out to all web users, with a mobile launch coming soon.
The installation process is two-way: parents can invite their teens to connect accounts, or teens can invite parents. If both accept, controls are enabled. Most importantly, these controls cannot be turned off after the teen reaches 18, unless one of the connected accounts disables them.
OpenAI has set out several customizable settings that provide more flexibility to families:
Sensitive Content Filters: Extra safeguards to block graphic material and risky viral challenges (on by default for teens).
Memory: Control whether ChatGPT remembers past chats to personalise future responses.
Model Training: Determine whether conversations will be utilized for the improvement of OpenAI’s models.
Quiet Hours: During these hours, teens are not permitted to access ChatGPT.
Voice Mode: Prevent use of voice interaction with ChatGPT.
Image Generation: Disable image creation and editing.
These features enable parents to customize the ChatGPT experience to meet their family's specific needs for AI safeguards. This helps in striking a balance between secure usage and digital empowerment.
Parents don’t get direct access to their teenager’s chat conversations in ChatGPT. OpenAI made it clear that messages are private unless the system detects potential severe safety threats. In such exceptional instances, qualified reviewers can warn parents, but only with minimal data that is just sufficient to protect the teenager’s safety.
Also Read: Alibaba's New Open-Source AI Agent to Rival OpenAI’s Deep Research Tool
The setup will only proceed if there is consent from both parties. Either the teen or the parent sends an invite, which the other party must accept to complete the setup. This linked-account model binds the system, but is voluntary once initiated.
Through parental controls, OpenAI is addressing rising concerns about teenagers using generative AI tools. OpenAI is trying to position ChatGPT not only as an assistant for learning and productivity but also as a safer place for teens. The company wishes to improve the chatbot so that it gives parents comfort without invading their child’s privacy.
With the update rolling out on the web and soon on mobile, parents will have a better organized method to regulate the younger generation’s interaction with AI.
