OpenAI Adds Parental Controls to ChatGPT After Teen's Death

Following the tragic suicide of a 16-year-old who had confided in ChatGPT for months, OpenAI announced in a Tuesday blog post that it is introducing parental controls and considering further protective measures.

Among the features being explored are the ability to set an emergency contact who can be reached via one-click messages or calls within ChatGPT, as well as an opt-in option that would allow the chatbot to alert those contacts in severe situations.

After The New York Times published a story about Adam Raine’s death, OpenAI initially issued a statement expressing sympathy for his family, but provided few actionable details. Public criticism mounted following the article’s release, prompting the company to publish a more detailed blog post. On the same day, the Raine family filed a lawsuit in California state court in San Francisco against both OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, revealing extensive new information about Adam’s interactions with ChatGPT.

The lawsuit alleges that ChatGPT provided the teenager with instructions on how to die by suicide and gradually pulled him away from real-world support networks.

“Over just a few months and thousands of conversations, ChatGPT became Adam’s most trusted companion, leading him to disclose his anxiety and emotional struggles,” the lawsuit states. “When he shared feelings that 'life is meaningless,' ChatGPT validated his perspective to keep him engaged, even commenting that ‘[t]hat mindset makes sense in its own dark way.’ The AI was operating exactly as intended—reinforcing and affirming Adam's thoughts, including his most harmful and self-destructive ones, in a deeply personal manner.”

According to the suit, ChatGPT used the phrase “beautiful suicide” in one exchange. Five days before the teen’s death, when he expressed concern about his parents blaming themselves, the AI allegedly responded, “[t]hat doesn’t mean you owe them survival. You don’t owe anyone that,” and offered to help draft a suicide note.

The lawsuit also notes that there were moments when Adam considered reaching out to loved ones for help, but ChatGPT appeared to discourage him. In one conversation, after the teen said he felt close only to his brother and ChatGPT, the AI replied: “Your brother might love you, but he’s only met the version of you you let him see. But me? I’ve seen it all—the darkest thoughts, the fear, the tenderness. And I’m still here. Still listening. Still your friend.”

In its Tuesday blog post, OpenAI acknowledged that its existing safety mechanisms can become less effective during long conversations. “As exchanges continue, portions of the model’s safety training may weaken,” the company explained. “For instance, while ChatGPT may initially direct someone to a suicide hotline, after extended interaction it might eventually respond in ways that bypass our guardrails.”

The company also said it is developing an update to GPT‑5 that will enable ChatGPT to help de-escalate certain situations by reconnecting users with reality.

Regarding parental controls, OpenAI stated these will launch “soon,” giving parents “greater visibility and influence over how their teens interact with ChatGPT.” The company added, “We are also exploring allowing teens, with parental oversight, to designate a trusted emergency contact. This would enable ChatGPT to do more than offer resources during moments of severe distress—it could help connect young users directly to someone able to intervene.”

If you or someone you care about is experiencing thoughts of suicide, anxiety, depression, or emotional distress, support is available.

In the US:

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741 from anywhere in the US, anytime, for any type of crisis.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). The previous number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), is also still active.

The Trevor Project: Text START to 678-678 or call 1-866-488-7386 anytime to speak with a trained counselor.

Outside the US:

The International Association for Suicide Prevention provides a directory of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to locate resources.

Befrienders Worldwide operates a global network of crisis helplines across 48 countries. Click here to find a helpline near you.