Why teens deserve access to safe AI

OpenAI announced policies and safeguards designed to allow teens to access AI tools while protecting them from age-inappropriate content. The company argues that denying teens access to AI until adulthood would disadvantage them from learning one of the defining technologies of their time, similar to keeping a previous generation from using the internet or search engines. The safeguards include automated protections against graphic violence and self-harm content, break reminders to encourage healthy usage habits, parental controls that let parents manage access and receive notifications about serious concerns, and learning-focused features like Study Mode that guide students through problems rather than simply providing answers. OpenAI states it developed these policies in consultation with educators, safety experts, mental health professionals, and other organizations.