ISTANBUL

OpenAI on Monday introduced parental controls for ChatGPT, giving parents new tools to manage how their teens use the artificial intelligence chatbot.

The controls, available to all ChatGPT users starting this week, allow parents to link their account with a teen’s account and adjust settings for an age-appropriate experience. Parents will be able to set quiet hours, turn off voice mode, block image generation, disable memory, and opt out of model training.

Once linked, teen accounts will automatically receive extra protections, such as reduced exposure to graphic content, viral challenges, sexual or violent roleplay, and extreme beauty ideals.

Earlier this month, the US Federal Trade Commission opened an inquiry into several social media and AI companies over potential risks to children and teens using chatbots as companions. The agency said it sent letters to Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Snap, Character Technologies, OpenAI and xAI seeking information about their practices.

“We’re rolling out parental controls and a new parent resource page to help families guide how ChatGPT works in their homes,” OpenAI said in its announcement. The company said it worked with experts, advocacy groups including Common Sense Media, and policymakers such as the attorneys general of California and Delaware to shape its approach.

The company also announced a new notification system that alerts parents if ChatGPT detects possible signs that a teen may be considering self-harm. A trained review team will assess flagged situations, and in cases of acute distress, parents will be contacted by email, text and push alerts.

“These parental controls are a good starting point for parents in managing their teen’s ChatGPT use,” said Robbie Torney, senior director of AI programs at Common Sense Media. “They work best when combined with ongoing conversations about responsible AI use, clear family rules about technology, and active involvement in understanding what their teen is doing online.”

OpenAI said the changes are part of a broader effort to develop an age prediction system that will automatically apply teen-appropriate settings. In the meantime, parental controls will remain the primary way to tailor safeguards.