Can kids under 13 use ChatGPT?
No. OpenAI says ChatGPT isn't meant for children under 13, and there is no kids' version. Teens 13–17 can use ChatGPT with a parent's permission and get ChatGPT for Teens automatically. For under-13s, choose AI built for kids where a parent creates the account and can read the chats.
A parent creates the account.
How to
- Check the age ruleOpenAI's minimum is 13 (or the local minimum), with parent permission under 18.
- If under 13, skip ChatGPT workaroundsDon't share an adult account. Pick AI built for kids instead.
- Compare kid-safe optionsSee ChatGPT alternatives for kids and the ChatGPT for kids guide.
- Create a parent account firstTry free on HeyOtto. A parent sets up each child for ages 8–18.
Full parent guide: ChatGPT for kids. Compare options: ChatGPT alternatives for kids. Safety overview: Is ChatGPT safe for kids?. Side-by-side: ChatGPT vs HeyOtto. Category hub: AI for kids.
Why under 13 is not allowed
OpenAI's help pages and Terms of Use set the minimum at 13 (or the local minimum age), with a parent's or guardian's permission for users under 18. There is no ChatGPT kids mode and no kids' version for younger children. Letting a child use a parent's adult account gives them adult settings, unless age prediction moves the account to the teen experience — and OpenAI still says ChatGPT is not meant for under-13s.
What parents can do instead
Choose AI built for kids where a parent creates the account, can read conversations, and set rules. HeyOtto is for ages 8–18. Also compare tutors like Khanmigo and creative tools like Scratch in the alternatives guide. If your child is 13–17 and you agree they can use ChatGPT, link accounts and set parental controls — knowing you still cannot read chats.
Next steps
- Confirm your child's age against OpenAI's 13+ rule
- If under 13, pick AI built for kids with parent-visible chats
- If 13–17, decide on ChatGPT for Teens plus family rules — or a parent-provisioned alternative
- Try free on HeyOtto — a parent creates the account first
More questions
Can kids under 13 use ChatGPT?
No. OpenAI says ChatGPT isn't meant for children under 13, and there is no kids' version.
What age can you use ChatGPT?
13 and older. Teens 13–17 need a parent's or guardian's permission under OpenAI's terms.
Is there a ChatGPT for kids or kids mode?
Not for under 13. Accounts identified as under 18 get ChatGPT for Teens automatically. Study mode is a separate setting.
Can my under-13 child use my ChatGPT account?
OpenAI says ChatGPT is not meant for under-13s. An adult account also gives adult settings unless age prediction moves it to the teen experience.
What should parents use instead for under 13?
AI built for kids where a parent creates the account and can read conversations — for example HeyOtto for ages 8–18. See ChatGPT alternatives for kids.
Can parents see ChatGPT chats if they link accounts?
No. OpenAI says linking does not give conversations, chat history, or real-time activity. Safety notifications in serious cases do not include transcripts.