OpenAI on tuesday in Mumbai launched a new version of ChatGPT for teenagers keeping in mind their safety preventing sexual, romantic and self harming content. The company aims to study emotional overreliance in future.
OpenAI has recently launched a dedicated ChatGPT experience for teenagers (age group 12 to 17 years), keeping in mind their safety. This customised version primarily resolves safety concerns by restricting self-harm, suicidal ideation, romantic roleplay, sexually explicit themes and other inappropriate content.
The launch took place on Tuesday (August 18, 2026) in Mumbai, featuring actors and authors Tisca Chopra and Soha Ali Khan, who shared their perspectives on navigating AI as parents. A workshop was organised to provide parents with material to help guide their children, understand ChatGPT for Teens, set up parental controls, support learning, and build healthy AI habits at home. Pragya Misra, Head of Strategy and Global Affairs India at OpenAI, said:
"Young people should not have to choose between opportunity and protection. They benefit most when the adults around them stay involved, ask questions, encourage critical thinking, and help build healthy, age-appropriate boundaries around how AI is used."
Read more about the event here.
It aims to assist students with assignments, projects, and homework using interactive study features rather than simply generating direct answers. While mandatory upfront ID verification is not required for all users, OpenAI employs an age-prediction model based on account behaviour and usage patterns to automatically route teens into this protected environment, ensuring safeguards remain active even in the absence of parental controls.
The launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT for Teens comes as Meta faces a high-stakes federal trial over allegations that its platforms fostered addictive behaviour in teens and children. The lawsuit, which could cost Meta substantial damages, was brought forward by a coalition of state attorneys general. Furthermore, tech companies face increasing legal scrutiny regarding user safety, as platforms monitor risks involving suicidal and delusional behaviours. OpenAI stated:
“Teens should be able to use AI to learn, create, and explore. But that access should come with protections that reflect their developmental stage, reinforce real-world relationships, and support healthy use over time.”
Read more about the teenage version here.
The San Francisco-based company is also conducting research into human-AI emotional dynamics. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that the company is actively studying emotional overreliance on technology. Dedicated guardrails for eating disorders and mental health sensitivities have been integrated, limiting potentially harmful responses and directing young users toward offline professional and parental support when it matters most.
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