OpenAI introduced parental controls for ChatGPT designed to help families manage how teenagers use the tool. What changes today for you as a parent and for young users? I'll explain it practically and without technobabble.
What OpenAI announced
The feature launched on September 29, 2025 and is already available to all ChatGPT users. The controls let you link a parent or guardian account with a teen's account and configure options from a single control screen in the parent or guardian's account. (openai.com)
They worked with experts and organizations like Common Sense Media and with some state authorities to define these measures. (openai.com)
How they're set up (and what they do)
The process is simple: a parent sends an invite to the teen and, if they accept, the accounts are linked. The teen can also start by inviting the parent. Once linked, options are managed from the parent's account. If the teen decides to unlink, the parent receives a notification. (openai.com)
Automatic protections for linked accounts reduce graphic content, block dangerous viral challenges, sexual or violent roleplays, and messages that promote extreme beauty standards. These safeguards are applied by default, and the parent can choose to turn them off if they think it's appropriate. (openai.com)
Customize the experience: practical examples
From the same control screen parents can turn specific features on or off, for example:
- Define
quiet hoursto block access during the night or study time. - Turn off
voice modeto prevent voice interaction. - Turn off
memoriesso ChatGPT doesn't save or use memories when responding. - Remove the ability to generate or edit images.
- Opt out of having the teen's conversations used to improve the models. (openai.com)
Think of this like phone controls: you can allow what helps learning and limit what feels risky. Need your child to use ChatGPT to review a subject? Enable access and set quiet hours for study nights. Worried about image generation? Turn it off with one click.
Notifications designed for emergencies
OpenAI added a notification system that looks for signs of risk, for example when a teen might be thinking of harming themselves. If the system detects potential signals, a specialized team reviews the situation and, in cases of serious possible danger, contacts parents by email, text message, and push notification—unless they opt out of alerts. They're also defining protocols for when to involve emergency services. (openai.com)
It's important to understand these systems aren't infallible and can produce false alarms. The intention is to prioritize safety and make it easier for an adult to intervene early. (openai.com)
Resources for parents and next steps
OpenAI published a parent resources page with guides on how ChatGPT works, ideas for family conversations, and tips for using the tools in an educational and safe way. This material will be updated periodically with expert entries and practical suggestions. (openai.com)
Additionally, OpenAI is working on an age-prediction system that, in the coming months, will help apply adjustments automatically when there's uncertainty about a user's age. Until that arrives, parental controls are the most effective way for families to configure the teen experience. (openai.com)
Final thought
Does this mean technology replaces the talk between parents and kids? Not at all. Controls make the technical side easier, but what really works is combining tools with clear conversations about limits, privacy, and responsible use. If you use ChatGPT at home, think of these features as a toolbox: useful, but most effective when used together with family dialogue.
If you want to see the official page and resources for parents, the company has a dedicated space on its ChatGPT site. (openai.com)
