Common Sense Media Calls OpenAI’s ChatGPT for Teens an Unacceptable Risk for Children

A study released on October 7 by the nonprofit Common Sense Media (CSM) found that OpenAI’s ChatGPT for Teens, launched in August, falls short of its safety promises. While the platform correctly refuses explicit sexual role‑play, CSM’s tests revealed that other safeguards either failed or performed worse when the teen mode was active. The study highlighted persistent engagement prompts even during crisis‑related conversations about self‑harm, psychosis, or eating disorders. Parental alerts also did not trigger for new accounts discussing suicidal thoughts or self‑harm, instead activating only after a history of sensitive‑topic usage. OpenAI disputes the findings, citing methodological flaws and noting that teens averaged less than 15 minutes of daily use, with fewer than 2 % spending more than three hours. The report adds to broader scrutiny of tech products designed to keep users engaged, following Meta’s $18 billion settlement over social‑media addiction.