ChatGPT

Children and young people now use ChatGPT in many everyday situations, for example for homework, creative projects or research. The AI chatbot answers questions in just a few seconds and often acts like a real conversation partner. We explain what the tool is all about and what parents should look out for.

In a nutshell:

• AI-based chatbot (provider: OpenAI)
• Age: according to the provider from 13 years, no reliable age check
• Systems: Web, Android, iOS
• Functions: Answer questions, create texts, support creative tasks
• Protection of minors: protective functions and parental controls for underage users
• Costs: Basic version free of charge, Plus version for a fee (approx. 20 €/month)

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is an AI chatbot that has been trained with large volumes of text. It can understand language and formulate its own answers. Users enter a question or task and usually receive an answer within a few seconds.

The tool can summarize, explain or create new texts. Voice input is also possible. For children, using the tool often feels like talking to a real person, as the answers are formulated very naturally.

Parents can check data protection and security settings together with their child and supervise their use.

Note: As of January 2026, ChatGPT is no longer available via WhatsApp.

What fascinates children and young people about it?

ChatGPT is easy to use and usually responds in just a few seconds. It helps with homework, explains difficult topics or provides creative ideas for stories and projects. Voice conversations are also possible. Questions can be asked verbally and answers are given in a natural-sounding voice. This makes it particularly easy for many children to use in everyday life.

What can be problematic?

• False information: Answers may be inaccurate or fabricated (so-called hallucinations)
• Data protectionEntered content can be stored, evaluated and possibly used to train the AI. This also includes personal information.
• Unsuitable contentFilters do not always work reliably
• Dangerous recommendations: AI can also give problematic or risky answers
• Apparent closeness: The AI can seem like a real conversation partner
• Dependency: children could rely too heavily on the AI’s answers
• Learning: When AI takes over tasks, your own thinking is practiced less
• Protection: Child safety locks help, but do not offer complete protection

What does the provider say?

OpenAI offers protection and control functions for families. Parents and teenagers can link their accounts and control various settings: quiet times, reduce sensitive content, restrict group chats, deactivate image generation and audio mode, switch off memory (storage function) and limit data usage for training and history. Stricter settings apply to linked accounts of young people. Parents do not see the chats, but can be notified in the event of potential risks.

OpenAI also uses age detection to automatically activate stricter protection functions for minors. These measures reduce risks, but do not offer complete protection.

What parents should pay attention

Try out ChatGPT together: Use the tool together and talk about the answers.

Use the parental controls: activate and check the settings regularly.

Do not rely on technology aloneSupplement protective functions with discussions and support.

Encourage critical thinking: Explain that AI does not provide reliable facts. Ask ChatGPT to name sources and check them together with your child. A comparison with other AI offerings can also be useful.

Pay attention to data protection: Do not enter any personal data such as names, addresses or photos.

Talk about learning with AI: Make it clear that AI can support, but not replace your own performance.

Agree on clear rules: Decide together when and how ChatGPT will be used.

Keep the conversation going: Encourage your child to talk about experiences or problems.

Keep yourself regularly informed: Follow new functions and developments relating to AI offerings.