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OpenAI on Thursday announced changes to its Model Spec, the internal rulebook that guides how its artificial intelligence systems behave, with a new and explicit focus on protecting teenagers who use ChatGPT.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n The San Francisco-based company said the updated guidelines put the safety of users aged 13 to 17 above all other objectives, including the long-standing goal of maximising helpfulness and user freedom. The move comes amid growing scrutiny of how generative AI tools affect younger users.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n In a blog post released on Thursday, <\/span>OpenAI <\/span><\/a>said teenagers have different developmental needs compared to adults and that AI systems must respond to them in a more cautious and age-appropriate manner.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n While the broader principles of the Model Spec continue to apply to everyone, the company said the update clarifies how those principles should be interpreted when minors are involved, especially in sensitive or high-risk conversations.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Under the revised rules<\/span>, ChatGPT<\/span><\/a> will prioritise teen safety even if it conflicts with other objectives set out in the document. This represents a notable shift, as safety for minors now overrides the platform\u2019s usual emphasis on openness and flexibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n OpenAI outlined four specific principles that will guide how ChatGPT interacts with teenagers.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n The chatbot will be required to encourage <\/span>real-world support<\/span><\/a>, including trusted adults and offline relationships, rather than positioning itself as a substitute. It must also treat teenagers as teenagers, avoiding both condescension and the assumption that they can be handled like adults.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nTeen safety placed above all other goals<\/strong><\/h2>\n
New rules for interacting with younger users<\/strong><\/h2>\n