SAN FRANCISCO, Cal. (WZMQ) – Open-ai is rolling out a new “ChatGPT for teens, an experience that it says will provide additional safety protections for teenagers. The move comes as OpenAI faces a string of lawsuits alleging that inappropriate conversations with ChatGPT contributed to the harm or deaths of young people — allegations OpenAI denies.
Here now is what parents need to know about the new features and how to monitor your teens’ AI activity.
“Our safety work is never done,” said OpenAI head of Youth Wellbeing and Families
Artificial intelligence chatbots can respond to any type of question, so it’s no wonder 70% of kids 13-17 say they are using AI tools to help with homework– according to a recent survey from Common Sense Media. So how can parents ensure their kids are using it safely?
“The goal is for this to be a learning tool for teens,” said Jonas.
Laura Jonas is the head of youth well-being and families at OpenAI—the company behind ChatGPT. OpenAI recently rolled out its new “ChatGPT for teens” feature aimed at keeping teens safe. Users who identify at sign-up that they are under 18 will be automatically placed into the protective settings.
When it comes to AI sites, ChatGPT is the most popular among teens, with more than half saying they’ve used it, according to a Pew Research Center study published in December.
“This is 24/7, 365, a continuous effort to make sure we’re getting teens the support that they need in the moment that they need it.” Said Jonas.
The new features include things like suggestions for minors to take breaks after they’ve been active for 90 minutes within a three-hour window.
Parents and teens can set “Quiet hours” where ChatGPT is unavailable.
There’s also a “Study hours” mode that gives directions, not fast answers.
OpenAI has faced scrutiny over concerns that ChatGPT can harm young people, including lawsuits from families who allege that ChatGPT contributed to their child’s suicide. The company has pushed back on these allegations.
