ChatGPT rolls out new restrictions after criticisms over teen suicides

OpenAI has introduced parental controls and a new parent resource page for all ChatGPT users, giving families more tools to guide how teens use the platform. The update, available from today, allows parents to link their account with their teen’s account and manage settings for a safer, age-appropriate experience.

Once linked, parents can set limits such as quiet hours, turn off voice mode, disable image generation, stop memory from being used, and opt out of model training. Teens cannot make these changes on their own, though parents can adjust settings as needed.

In addition to controls, teen accounts linked to parents will automatically receive stronger safeguards, including reduced exposure to graphic content, viral challenges, romantic or violent roleplay, and extreme beauty ideals. Parents can choose to turn these protections off, but teens cannot.

A notification system has also been added to alert parents if ChatGPT detects signs that a teen may be thinking of self-harm. Trained staff will review such cases, and if there are signs of acute distress, parents will be contacted through email, text, or phone alerts. In rare instances, law enforcement or emergency services may be involved if there is an imminent threat.

“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 kids 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,” Robbie Torney, Senior Director of AI Programs at Common Sense Media, said.

Alongside the controls, OpenAI has launched a parent resource page with information on how ChatGPT works, guides for setting up controls, and suggestions for positive use in schoolwork, creativity, and family activities. The company said it plans to expand and update the resource page with expert advice and conversation tips over time.

OpenAI said it is working on an age prediction system that will help identify whether a user is under 18, allowing ChatGPT to automatically apply teen-appropriate settings. The feature is expected to roll out in the coming months.

The company noted that in cases where a user’s age cannot be confirmed, it will take the cautious approach and apply teen settings by default. Until then, parental controls remain the main way for parents to manage and customize their teen’s ChatGPT experience.

The move is part of OpenAI’s wider effort to strengthen safeguards for younger users and provide families with tools to guide safe and responsible AI use.

"This is an important step forward, but our work isn’t done. We’ll continue to invest in features that help parents and teens use ChatGPT safely and confidently, and share our progress.," ChatGPT said in a statement.