ChatGPT is the most widely used AI chatbot with over 800 million weekly users. Versatile for conversations, writing, coding, and image generation.

Minimum Age Requirement: 13+ (with parental consent for users under 18)

Parental Controls Rating: High

Safety Features:

• Account Linking: Parents can link their ChatGPT account to their teen’s account and customize settings. Teens can unlink, but parents are notified.

• Content Filtering: Linked teen accounts automatically receive reduced exposure to graphic content, viral challenges, sexual/romantic/violent roleplay, and extreme beauty ideals.

• Blackout Hours: Parents can set times when their teen cannot access ChatGPT.

• Feature Controls: Parents can disable image generation, voice mode, memory/personalization, and opt teens out of model training.

• Self-Harm Alerts: If systems detect potential self-harm, a trained team reviews the situation. Parents can be contacted via email, SMS, and push notifications.

• Age Prediction: OpenAI is building a system to automatically detect whether users are under 18 and apply teen-appropriate settings.

Key Concerns for Parents:

• Teens can use ChatGPT without an account (no controls apply). Guardrails can be bypassed by determined users. Emotional dependency risks remain.