OpenAI has announced the introduction of parental controls in ChatGPT, following the tragic suicide of a teenager reportedly linked to AI interactions. The new feature aims to give parents greater oversight of their children’s activity on the platform, helping to ensure safer engagement with conversational AI.

The parental control system allows guardians to monitor and manage usage, set limits on interaction times, and filter content that may be inappropriate for younger users. OpenAI stated that these measures are designed to promote responsible AI usage and provide families with tools to protect minors from potential emotional or psychological risks associated with online AI experiences.

This move comes amid growing global scrutiny over the safety of AI systems, particularly those accessible to children and teenagers. Advocacy groups and regulators have repeatedly called for more robust safeguards, emphasizing that conversational AI must include mechanisms to prevent exposure to harmful content and interactions.

OpenAI highlighted that the parental controls will integrate seamlessly into ChatGPT’s existing interface, allowing parents to create supervised accounts and adjust settings according to age and sensitivity levels. The platform will also provide guidance on recognizing potential signs of distress and accessing support resources if needed.

Industry experts note that parental oversight in AI platforms is increasingly critical as AI tools become more embedded in everyday life. Features like monitoring and content filtering can help mitigate risks while still enabling educational and productive use of AI by younger users.

OpenAI’s announcement reflects a broader trend in the technology sector toward safety-first design, balancing innovation with social responsibility. By giving parents tools to manage their children’s AI interactions, the company aims to prevent future tragedies and foster a safer digital environment for minors.

The company plans to roll out these parental control features in the coming months and encourages feedback from users and experts to further refine safety mechanisms. OpenAI stresses that ongoing collaboration with families, educators, and mental health professionals is essential to creating a responsible and secure AI ecosystem.