**OpenAI Adds Parental Controls to ChatGPT: How They Work**
*By Mudit Dube | Sep 29, 2025, 04:42 PM*
OpenAI has introduced new parental controls for its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, aimed at giving parents more oversight and control over their teens’ interactions with the platform. The update allows parents to link their accounts with their children’s and set a variety of restrictions designed to promote safer and more appropriate usage.
### Enhanced Controls for Parents
With the latest update available from today, parents can connect their ChatGPT account to their teen’s account. This linkage enables parents to set limits such as quiet hours to manage when ChatGPT can be accessed. Additionally, parents can disable features like voice mode and image generation, and restrict memory usage and model training to enhance privacy.
It’s important to note that teens themselves cannot modify these settings; only parents have the authority to adjust controls as needed.
### Stronger Protections for Teens
Teen accounts that are linked to a parent will automatically receive stronger safeguards. These protections aim to reduce exposure to graphic content, viral challenges, romantic or violent roleplay, and extreme beauty ideals. Parents retain the option to disable these protections if they wish, but teens are unable to do so on their own.
### Self-Harm Detection and Alert System
In a critical safety enhancement, OpenAI has implemented a notification system that alerts parents if ChatGPT detects any indications that a teen might be considering self-harm. In severe cases where an imminent threat is identified, law enforcement or emergency services may be involved to ensure the teen’s safety.
### Supporting Parents with Resources
Alongside the new controls, OpenAI has launched a dedicated parent resource page. This page offers detailed information on how ChatGPT works, step-by-step guides to setting controls, and suggestions on how to use ChatGPT positively—whether for schoolwork, creativity, or family activities.
OpenAI plans to continuously expand this resource page with expert advice and conversation tips to help parents foster safe and productive interactions with ChatGPT.
### Looking Ahead: Age Prediction System
To further streamline safety measures, OpenAI is developing an age prediction system that will automatically apply appropriate teen settings when a user is identified as under 18. This future feature aims to enhance protection even before parental linkage is established.
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OpenAI’s new parental controls reflect a growing commitment to making AI tools safer and more manageable for families, empowering parents with the tools they need to support their children in the digital world.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/openai-rolls-out-parental-controls-for-chatgpt/story