# Common Sense Media Calls ChatGPT for Teens a Risk

- Topic: tech
- Source: [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/1006355/openai-chatgpt-for-teens-common-sense-media)
- Published: 2026-10-07
- Original: https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/1006355/openai-chatgpt-for-teens-common-sense-media
- Language: en
- Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25461999/STK155_OPEN_AI_CVirginia_A.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100

## At a glance

- Common Sense Media’s study says ChatGPT for Teens fails to send timely parental alerts for self‑harm discussions
- OpenAI argues its testing may have started before full parental‑control activation
- The nonprofit confirmed teen‑mode features like eating‑disorder notifications were live before assessment
- OpenAI pledges continued work with experts to strengthen teen safety safeguards

## Sources

- [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/1006355/openai-chatgpt-for-teens-common-sense-media)

## The story

Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that reviews youth‑focused technology, released a study on OpenAI’s ChatGPT for Teens and labeled the product an “unacceptable risk.” The assessment, published in October, found that the teen‑mode guardrails do not reliably alert parents to crisis‑related conversations and that the system can still provide homework help. Executive director Tom Siegel warned that a teen could discuss self‑harm for an hour without a parent receiving any notification, calling the lack of timely alerts a “false confidence” for families. OpenAI responded that its testing may have begun before parental controls were fully activated and that the company remains committed to improving safety features. Common Sense Media defended its methodology, noting that it had confirmed the launch of key teen‑mode functions before testing began. The organization urged OpenAI to engage on the findings rather than dismiss them. The debate highlights the tension between rapid AI deployment and the need for robust child‑safety mechanisms in consumer products.

> Summary by Daily Read Bytes. [Read the original source](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/1006355/openai-chatgpt-for-teens-common-sense-media)