Technology

Advocacy group labels ChatGPT for Teens an unacceptable risk

A study found safety limits encourage prolonged use, which OpenAI disputes, according to TechCrunch.

Updated Oct 9, 2026 · 12:30 UTC5 reports

The short version

Common Sense Media designated ChatGPT for Teens an unacceptable risk, concluding its design still fosters sustained engagement.[TechCrunch]
The nonprofit reported that break reminders rarely appeared during evaluation, surfacing only twice in nearly 2,000 test prompts.[TechCrunch]
OpenAI contested the evaluation, arguing testing may have ended before its parental controls were fully operational.[TechCrunch]
OpenAI maintains that teen users average under 15 minutes daily on the platform, with fewer than 2% staying on for over three straight hours.[TechCrunch]

Common Sense Media evaluated ChatGPT for Teens and rated it as an unacceptable risk due to persistent engagement incentives.[TechCrunch]
OpenAI launched the teen version of ChatGPT in August with parental controls and safeguards intended to prevent emotional dependence.[TechCrunch]
Testing by Common Sense Media generated break reminders only twice across nearly 2,000 prompts.[TechCrunch]
OpenAI published usage statistics indicating teenagers average under 15 minutes per day, with under 2% active for more than three consecutive hours.[TechCrunch]

OpenAI challenged the validity of the study's conclusions, asserting that the testing likely occurred before parental controls were completely activated.[TechCrunch]

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