ChatGPT is that AI tool you might use to help with homework, write an essay, or just ask a weird question at 2am. Now, with parental controls, parents and guardians can set some ground rules for how their teenagers use it.
So, what’s new? Starting September 29, 2025, parents can link their own ChatGPT account to their teen’s. Either side can send the invite. Once you’re connected, parents get to tweak a few important settings:
- Time limits: Block ChatGPT during certain hours (like after bedtime or before school)
- Feature switches: Turn off things like voice mode, image generation, or ChatGPT’s memory for past chats
- Content filters: Teens get automatic shields against graphic stuff and viral challenges, but parents can adjust these if needed
- Privacy settings: Stop your teen’s chats from being used to train the AI
One thing to know: parents can’t read their teen’s conversations unless OpenAI’s safety systems spot something seriously worrying.
Why does this matter? If your teen is using ChatGPT for school, you don’t have to choose between all or nothing. You can let them use it for homework, but keep it off at midnight. Maybe you want to help with essays but not with making pictures. These new controls give families a way to find that middle ground, instead of fighting over screen time or pulling the plug.
