ChatGPT for Teens Meets Back-to-School: How Parents Can Turn AI Into a Smarter Learning Partner In Discussion with YourUpdate.TV

Meaghan B. Murphy, a ChatGPT power user and mom, partners with OpenAI, in conjunction with D S Simon Media, on a nationwide media tour discussing how ChatGPT for Teens is designed to help teens think critically and learn, with built-in protections for teens and additional controls for parents

NEW YORK, Sept. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AI is already part of how many teens learn, study and complete assignments. The question is no longer whether teens will use AI, it’s whether they’re using it in a way that actually strengthens learning and helps keep them safe.

ChatGPT for Teens is designed to put learning and critical thinking at the center, using Study Mode to guide teens through problems step by step, quizzes to test understanding, homework reminders that can discourage shortcuts, interactive visual explanations for math and science topics, and Study Hours to help families build more intentional study habits. The goal: to make AI a learning partner, not a shortcut.

And safety for teens is built in from the start. ChatGPT for Teens includes age-appropriate safeguards, Quiet Hours, and break reminders, and Parental controls include the ability for parents to set Study Mode, set Quiet Hours, turn off access to certain features and receive safety notifications, giving families more tools to help teens use AI safely, responsibly and with healthy boundaries.

Meaghan B Murphy, ChatGPT power user and mom, discussed topics that every parent should know about during a nationwide media tour:

What features does ChatGPT for Teens have and how is it helping kids as they get back to school?

OpenAI recently launched ChatGPT for Teens, a dedicated experience designed to help teens develop critical-thinking and learning skills, with built-in protections designed specifically for younger users.

From the start, OpenAI found that nine out of 10 teens are using ChatGPT on a weekly basis — for learning, building skills and staying productive. And I know from my own experience: I have three teenagers, ages 16, 14 and 13, and they are absolutely using ChatGPT as a learning tool, especially as we head back to school.

Two of my favorite features in the new ChatGPT for Teens experience are Study Mode and Quizzes. Study Mode guides teens through questions and step-by-step problem-solving rather than simply giving them the answer. It helps them work through the process and arrive at the answer themselves.

Then there’s Quizzes, which my daughter’s teacher actually encouraged her to use. It allows students to upload their class notes and turn them into interactive, real-time study guides, giving them a more engaging way to prepare for a test.

When it comes to teen safety, what safeguards should parents know about?

There are really two levels of protection. First, there are safeguards designed specifically for teens. Then there are new tools for parents that give families more control over how their teens are using AI.

Those safeguards are designed to filter out explicit content and help ensure teens have an age-appropriate experience. Then there are Parental Controls, which I’m especially passionate about because I think more parents should know they’re available.

Parental Controls allow you to link your ChatGPT account with your teen’s account, giving you more control over how they’re using AI. You can set things like Study Mode and Quiet Hours, and it’s very simple to set up.

You go into your ChatGPT account, open Settings, select Parental Controls and add your child. You’ll enter their phone number or email address, select “My Child,” and they’ll receive an invitation to link the accounts. Once they accept, you have those additional controls in place.

But I also think this is part of a much bigger conversation about healthy technology habits as a family.

We need to be talking about AI together. This shouldn’t be a one-time conversation, it should be an ongoing, consistent discussion. Establish family guidelines around how AI fits into your lives, and, whenever possible, use AI together. That’s a great way to help teens develop healthy habits and make thoughtful decisions about the technology they’re using.

For more information, visit CHATGPT.COM/PARENT-RESOURCES 

About YourUpdateTV:
YourUpdateTV is a property of D S Simon Media. The video included and release was part of a media tour that was produced by D S Simon Media on behalf of OpenAI

Media Contact
Michael O’Donnell
D S Simon Media
212-736-2727
modonnell@dssimon.com

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/074dac34-55b1-4f63-88a9-88e4914d0b48