Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Parents need to know the tools their children are using in school. That includes students turning to AI for homework help. The company behind ChatGPT is launching a version specifically for teens.
But experts say parents cannot just set it and forget it. ChatGPT for teens is designed for users between 13 and 17. If the system estimates your kid is under 18, it automatically places them in the teen version.
The big feature is Study Mode: instead of just handing over an answer, it guides students through the steps to find it themselves. Parents can also link accounts, set quiet hours, and receive safety alerts.
But here is what parents need to hear: even OpenAI admits the guardrails can be bypassed. Watch for kids breaking Study Mode to get direct answers, using the platform beyond the recommended 3 hours, and remember, AI is designed to agree with you. It is a tool, not a friend.
Meina Zhu, an associate professor of Learning Design and Technology at Wayne State University, joined Lcoal 4 Live to break it all down.
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Parents need to know the tools their children are using in school. That includes students turning to AI for homework help. The company behind ChatGPT is launching a version specifically for teens.
But experts say parents cannot just set it and forget it. ChatGPT for teens is designed for users between 13 and 17. If the system estimates your kid is under 18, it automatically places them in the teen version.
The big feature is Study Mode: instead of just handing over an answer, it guides students through the steps to find it themselves. Parents can also link accounts, set quiet hours, and receive safety alerts.
But here is what parents need to hear: even OpenAI admits the guardrails can be bypassed. Watch for kids breaking Study Mode to get direct answers, using the platform beyond the recommended 3 hours, and remember, AI is designed to agree with you. It is a tool, not a friend.
Meina Zhu, an associate professor of Learning Design and Technology at Wayne State University, joined Lcoal 4 Live to break it all down.
Welcome to the official YouTube channel of WDIV Local 4 News in Detroit!
Expect more coverage of Southeast Michigan and surrounding communities with breaking news, weather, original reporting, investigations, and local sports.
We’re proud to be part of the Metro Detroit community.
Watch more from Local 4 on YouTube: youtube.com/@ClickOnDetroitLocal4WDIV/videos
📰 More news stories: clickondetroit.com
▶️ Watch Local 4 News live: clickondetroit.com/live
📩 Sign up for Local 4 newsletters: clickondetroit.com/account/newsletters
