OpenAI has recently established a dedicated team focused on child safety within the realm of AI. Named the Child Safety team, it collaborates with internal groups like platform policy, legal, and investigations, as well as external partners, to handle processes, incidents, and reviews related to underage users.
This initiative by OpenAI comes amid growing concerns about minors using AI tools, with the company also adhering to regulations like the U.S. Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule, which imposes strict controls on children's online activities and data collection. With the increased use of AI tools by kids and teens for educational and personal purposes, there is a rising need to address potential risks. OpenAI's partnership with Common Sense Media and joint efforts in developing kid-friendly AI guidelines in an effort to promote responsible and safe AI usage among minors.
Kids and teens are increasingly relying on AI tools not only for academic help but also for personal issues. According to a poll by the Center for Democracy and Technology, 29% of kids have used ChatGPT for anxiety or mental health issues, 22% for friend-related concerns, and 16% for family conflicts.
Some potential risks of AI for children include: