OpenAI will roll out new parental controls on ChatGPT within a month, enabling parents to monitor teen usage and receive alerts in distress cases.
WASHINGTON: OpenAI has announced that it will introduce parental controls for its popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT, starting next month. The move comes after a lawsuit filed by the parents of a teenager who died by suicide, prompting the company to strengthen safeguards for younger users.
According to OpenAI, the upcoming parental controls will give parents more oversight of how teens engage with the platform. New features will allow parents to gain insights into usage patterns and even receive alerts when the system detects signs of “acute distress.” The company is also exploring the option for teens, under parental supervision, to designate a trusted emergency contact. In urgent situations, ChatGPT could then connect the teen directly with a trusted adult rather than simply offering resource links.
A spokesperson for OpenAI said: “We will soon introduce parental controls that give parents options to gain more insight into, and shape, how their teens use ChatGPT. We’re also exploring making it possible for teens (with parental oversight) to designate a trusted emergency contact. That way, in moments of acute distress, ChatGPT can do more than point to resources: it can help connect teens directly to someone who can step in.”
The announcement underscores growing concerns about the impact of AI tools on younger audiences. While ChatGPT has been widely embraced for education, productivity, and entertainment, the company has acknowledged the need to strengthen its responsibility towards user safety—especially among vulnerable groups.
The new parental controls are expected to roll out globally in the coming month.
