What's the best way to use the new ChatGPT for Teens mode? - BBC Bitesize

Children are back in school across the UK, with many looking for study support - but is the new teen version of ChatGPT a good tool to use?

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has launched a new version for users aged 13 to 17 which is called ChatGPT for Teens.

It’s the first AI platform designed specifically for teenagers, although social media company Meta has previously launched Teen Accounts on some of its platforms such as Instagram, while other platforms like TikTok and YouTube have special policies in place for under 18s.

A smartphone screen reading 'Learn with ChatGPT', in front of a laptop keyboard.

OpenAI says the new features will make it better for study, as well as making users less likely to see material for an adult-only audience or engage in harmful behaviour such as bullying - issues which have been causing concern.

BBC Bitesize Other Side of the Story spoke to the Teachers' Union NASUWT, and to children’s charity the NSPCC about the benefits and risks of using AI chatbots, and whether this change is a step in the right direction.

What’s new about ChatGPT for Teens?

According to OpenAI, ChatGPT can switch itself to Teen mode if it identifies a user as under 18. It will try to estimate your age based on several things, including the times of day you use it and what you use it for.

Some of the features designed to help with schoolwork include:

Study Mode, which may help you understand a subject through step-by-step guidance and exercises. This could also include Responsible Homework Reminders, which can help you answer questions without giving you a full answer straight away.
Study Hours, which can be set by you or a parent or guardian’s linked account. During these hours, Study Mode can be made the default setting.
Quiet Hours, when access to ChatGPT is limited, can also be set this way.

There are other features designed to help your wellbeing, including reminders to take a break, reminders not to upload private or sensitive content, plus ways to change or turn off its human voice.

Teenage student works at her desk distracted by phone, with book and notepad open — Image caption,
Concerns have been raised about young people using AI in ways that could harm their studies and wellbeing.

Can AI help me study better?

We contacted NASUWT, the Teachers’ Union, and their spokesperson was interested in the idea of a study mode that helps you learn more about a topic by asking questions.

“Those AI models are saying, ‘We're not just going to give you the answer, what we're going to do is ask you questions that help you come to a good answer.’ There's potential there.”

They told us one of the biggest concerns is around students using AI for homework. “What you sometimes see is students putting the question into an AI platform, being given an answer to that question - and reproducing it without thinking about what the question involves.”

"Tipping your homework questions into an AI app and reproducing the answers is genuinely not in your interest… it takes a lot of the joy out of learning."– NASUWT, The Teachers' Union

What advice would they give to students using an AI platform? “Use it thoughtfully… Learning is about exploring, discovering, finding things out. Make sure that you are still, as the student, in control of that process.

“Don't try and pass off something that an AI platform has generated as your own work. Teachers and schools and colleges are good at detecting when you've done that.

“Think about how it can be used, maybe to augment a search engine that you might be using. There are all kinds of good ways in which it can be used, but it should be there to help you learn, not to do the learning for you.”

A classroom of pupils seated at desks with their teacher at the front by a whiteboard. — Image caption,
Some teachers have reported students using AI to complete their homework and trying to pass it off as their own, stopping them from understanding a topic properly.

What about my wellbeing when using AI chatbots?

We spoke to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) for advice on how to use ChatGPT for Teens safely and sensibly. Their spokesperson said: “Almost all children are using AI tools in some form or another. There are a lot of benefits, like exploring their interests and finding out more about the world.”

However, there are also personal risks from relying on AI chatbots, including being told incorrect information about medical problems, or being given unhelpful advice for difficult situations at home. “An expert at Childline would be much better to reach out to in those circumstances," explained the NSPCC. “When it comes to safety and safeguarding issues, platforms should signpost children to trusted services like Childline.”

While they welcomed moves to give users an ‘age-appropriate’ experience, they also said it was important that any change is made to work properly, with accurate age checks that are fully enforced. Some users of teen social media accounts have complained about still seeing harmful material.

Finally, the NSPCC said it's important for teens to have regular conversations with a parent or guardian about what they're using ChatGPT and other platforms for, keeping possible risks in mind to enjoy the benefits safely.

A boy's hands typing at a black laptop. — Image caption,
The NSPCC warns young people not to rely on AI chatbots for personal and emotional advice - including for difficult situations at home.

How can I use AI safely?

An AI platform like ChatGPT can be a useful tool to explore your interests and improve your understanding of a subject.

But like the experts we spoke to have advised, it’s important to use it in a thoughtful way, making sure you are in active control of the process, not accepting the answers it gives you passively.

If you are given information by an AI platform, look independently at its sources and think about them. And remember there are some situations where it is better to seek advice from someone you know.

Check out the BBC Bitesize guide to AI, with tips for using AI sensibly as a study aid, plus notes on looking after your wellbeing and the environmental impact of AI platforms.

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