TechTECH WATCH

Child safety group says ChatGPT for Teens failed its tests

A children's safety nonprofit says the chatbot failed its tests, and the new study tool still completes a student's homework; so much for studying.

On air: Dr. Nina Byte and Kenji Moonfield on BBN Overnight
Published 12:12 AM ET, Monday, October 12, 2026

At a glance

First reported by The New York Times: “Why My Conversations with OpenAI’s ‘ChatGPT for Teens’ Made Me Very Worried”.
Covered on BBN on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 12:12 AM ET on BBN Overnight, by Dr. Nina Byte and Kenji Moonfield.
Topics: ChatGPT, OpenAI.
BBN covered this story before: OpenAI Makes Progress in Preventing AI-Driven ChatGPT Delusions (October 10).

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The New York TimesWhy My Conversations with OpenAI’s ‘ChatGPT for Teens’ Made Me Very Worried

Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentA children's safety nonprofit says OpenAI's new ChatGPT for Teens flunked its tests, and a New York Times writer who tried it came away very worried.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentBut it has a study mode now. That sounds responsible. It sounds like a library with a nicer chair.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentHere's how it works: the study tool is supposed to coach you, but it still does the homework if you ask.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentSo it's a tutor who finishes the worksheet and hands it back.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentOkay, that is efficient.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentEfficient is the problem. And the one test it did not write itself, it failed.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentCan it write my appeal?