OpenAI has launched ChatGPT for Teens, a dedicated experience for users aged 13 to 17 built around learning, critical thinking, safety and wellbeing. The product will roll out worldwide, including Singapore, over the coming weeks.

The launch lands as Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) continues to shape its approach to AI in schools under the EdTech Masterplan 2030, which emphasises that AI use in education should be purposeful, safe and appropriate to students’ age and stage of development. OpenAI said nearly nine in 10 teens on ChatGPT already use it weekly for learning, finding information, building skills or improving productivity.

Built to guide learning, not just give answers

ChatGPT for Teens is designed to help teens learn actively rather than simply receive answers. Its learning features include:

• Study Mode: developed with teachers, learning scientists and pedagogy experts to guide students through problems using questions, structured explanations and opportunities for reflection
• Study Hours: lets teens or parents set times when Study Mode is on by default, to build more intentional study routines
• Quizzes: lets teens test their understanding using their own homework, notes or other materials
• Responsible Homework Reminders: recognises when a teen appears to be trying to shortcut an assignment and redirects them towards step-by-step problem-solving
• Interactive learning experiences: spans more than 300 maths and science topics, with pronunciation support in more than 61 languages

OpenAI said 18 million people now use its interactive learning experiences each week across ChatGPT.

Age-based safeguards and parental controls

Safety features built into ChatGPT for Teens include age-appropriate safeguards that are automatically applied when OpenAI’s age-prediction system estimates a user is under 18, as well as break reminders after 90 minutes of activity within a three-hour period and quiet hours to support healthier usage patterns.

Parents with linked teen accounts can manage Study Mode, voice mode and image generation, and will be notified in certain high-risk situations, including indications of potential self-harm or when a linked teen account is deactivated for violating policies on violent threats or acts of violence. OpenAI said additional safeguards are also designed to reduce unhealthy reliance on AI and reinforce that ChatGPT should support learning and creativity rather than replace real-world relationships.

OpenAI said teens should have access to one of the defining technologies of their generation, but that access must come with protections designed for their age and stage of development.