OpenAI and CodeAI Launch ChatGPT for Teens for AI Education

OpenAI and CodeAI join forces for AI education, with an operational program for the upcoming year and the launch of ChatGPT for Teens, equipped with built-in protections and parental controls. The initiative also relies on offerings for teachers and an upcoming advisory council. This initiative addresses a recognized gap between the widespread use of AI by students and their level of understanding.

A Joint Advisory Council and Year-Long Programs

In the next twelve months, OpenAI and CodeAI announce that they will focus on concrete initiatives aimed at enabling students to understand AI, use it responsibly, and discover what it can bring to learning and creativity. The two entities intend to establish a permanent feedback mechanism to ensure responsible innovation by creating a joint advisory council composed of experts in child development, public policy for youth, and learning sciences. This council will be tasked with providing insights on new risks, responsible practices to adopt, and evolving educational needs, while also participating in defining the next developments of ChatGPT for Teens.

With the Hour of AI, the partners aim to present the foundations of thoughtful and responsible AI use to millions of students. The very first Builders Challenge will offer high school students the opportunity to create with AI, be mentored by OpenAI experts, and present their projects on a national stage alongside their teachers. Meanwhile, OpenAI's experts in AI systems, safety, and responsible use will be available to CodeAI for the development of Foundations of AI, a free year-long course aimed at high school students. Finally, with Career Journeys, researchers, engineers, and leaders from OpenAI will directly explain to students their daily work with AI.

ChatGPT for Teens Launched with Safeguards

ChatGPT for Teens is now available as an experience designed around learning to help teenagers think critically, deepen their understanding, and use AI with confidence. The service includes protections specifically for minors, including features that encourage healthy usage and additional controls available to parents.

This launch follows the introduction of ChatGPT for Teachers, aimed at helping educators and districts manage AI use. OpenAI also mentions ongoing collaboration with the American Federation of Teachers to develop AI skills.

Documented Usage-Understanding Gap Among High School Students

Only 16% of high school administrators report that all their students acquire the technical knowledge necessary to understand AI in class. In a survey conducted by CodeAI, 75% of high school students believe that understanding AI will be more important for their future than it is today. The partners also describe a wide adoption of AI tools by students. They note a gap between the use and understanding of these technologies.

Stated Goals and Shared Responsibility

The partnership aims to provide students and teachers with tools and resources to learn how to use AI and leverage it effectively. Both organizations express their commitment to supporting a greater number of young people so that they approach AI with curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking, and wish for them to learn to create with these technologies without considering every answer as an absolute truth. They emphasize that AI should complement, not replace, the guidance provided by their teachers, families, or other trusted individuals, with the goal of shaping informed users and conscious actors in the evolution of these tools. This preparation is described as a collective responsibility that involves technology companies, parents, educators, students, researchers, public policymakers, and civil society organizations.