OpenAI's New Under-18 Principles Enhance AI Ethics and Teen Safety in ChatGPT
On December 18, 2025, OpenAI updated its Model Spec —the written set of behavioral expectations that guides how ChatGPT should respond—by adding a new section: Under-18 (U18) Principles . The goal is straightforward: teens (ages 13–17) have different developmental needs than adults, and a “one-size-fits-all” safety posture can create gaps in higher-risk situations. At a high level, the update clarifies how existing safety rules apply in teen conversations and adds age-appropriate guidance where needed. The principles emphasize prevention, clearer boundaries, and stronger encouragement toward real-world support when risks show up. This article explains what the U18 Principles are, why they matter, and what “safe, age-appropriate behavior” looks like in practice—without turning teen safety into vague slogans. If you’re interested in related context on teen safety work, you may also want to read: OpenAI’s Teen Safety Blueprint . TL;DR What changed: OpenAI added ...