What Is ChatGPT and Is It Safe for Kids?

Why you can trust SafeWise
products considered
250+
research hours in 25+ in-home tests
10k+
years of combined experience
176+
homes and people protected
10M+

For over 11 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to create unbiased, human reviews. Learn how we test and review.

ChatGPT is hot right now. It can do seemingly everything, from solving math problems to being a mental health helper. The simple fact that it can help with homework can make it a big draw for kids and teens, but is it safe? Here’s what you need to know.


Image: Julia M Cameron


Stay Safe and become a SafeWise Insider!

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the best safety news, product info, and deals.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

What is ChatGPT

ChatGPT solving a math problem.

Image: SafeWise

ChatGPT is an AI assistant. It's a lot like Siri or Alexa, but with a few differences. Unlike Alexa or Siri, ChatGPT doesn’t use voice commands. You have to go to the ChatGPT site and type in what you want it to do. It can also carry on a conversation with you, mimicking how a human would respond. Plus, it can remember conversations and continue them later.

Accounts are free and there’s no need to put in your age when you sign up. This makes it easy for kids and teens to access.

What can ChatGPT do?

It might be easier to list what it can’t do. There are dozens, if not hundreds of different uses for the bot. Here are just a few:

  • Solve math problems
  • Give you someone (or something) to talk to when you’re lonely
  • Look up history facts
  • Explain complicated concepts like string theory
  • Write poems, essays, and raps
  • Search for fun things to do in your area
  • Provide ideas for decorating, party themes, and more

Is ChatGPT safe for kids?

""

Image: Julia M Cameron

Before we go into what experts have to say, let’s see what ChatGPT has to say for itself. I asked ChatGPT, “Is ChatGPT safe for kids to use?” Here’s what it replied:

ChatGPT is a language model designed for general communication purposes and does not have any content that is specifically unsuitable for children. However, as an AI language model, ChatGPT's responses are generated based on patterns and associations learned from large datasets of text. While ChatGPT has been trained on a diverse range of texts and is generally safe, there is always the possibility that it may generate responses that are inappropriate or offensive.

It is also important to note that ChatGPT is not intended to replace parental supervision and guidance when children are using technology. Parents or guardians should always monitor their children's online activities and teach them to use the internet safely and responsibly.

Overall, while ChatGPT is generally safe for children to use, it is important to exercise caution and supervision when allowing children to use any online platform or tool.

Sounds reasonable enough. Through my research, I found that the bot is correct. As long as you supervise your child, ChatGPT is pretty safe. There are some nuances that parents need to be aware of, though:

  • ChatGPT has been trained on a wide range of topics. Some of them may not be appropriate for your kiddos. 
  • ChatGPT was trained with content made by humans, so it can produce the same kind of biases.
  • OpenAI (the creators of ChatGPT) review conversations to help improve the AI chatbot, so make sure your kids know that nothing they tell ChatGPT is private.
  • Be sure that your kiddo knows that using AI-generated content for essays and other homework is cheating. Learning from it’s okay, but using it to do your work for you isn’t since you don’t learn anything.

How to keep your kids safe

Best overall
Bark
Bark
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
$49-$99/yr

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

The best way to keep your kiddo safe is to keep an eye on what they do online. Now, as a parent myself, I know that can be next to impossible when your kids are sneaky, or you have a lot on your plate. 

We recommend getting a parental control app that can let you take a peek at what your kids are doing online. To keep track of ChatGPT usage, you’ll need to use an app that tracks website usage. If you don’t want your child to use ChatGPT at all, a parental control app can limit or block the website altogether on your kid’s devices. 

We recommend the Bark app. It’s easy to install and it monitors just about everything a kiddo could get into on their devices. Read our Bark review to learn more.


Bark Watch Coming Soon!

Bark was a two-time 2025 Kids Safety Awards winner: Best Parental Control App and Best Kids Phone. Soon they'll have a kids watch too! It's on its way for us to test, so stay tuned for more info once we've got it in our hands!

Sneak peek at key features:

  • Bark Premium app subscription included
  • Water-resistant
  • Mobile talk & text
  • No games or web browsers
  • Cost: $169 for the device, then $15/mo for wireless plan
  • Manage your child’s contacts
  • GPS location tracking

Join the waitlist to get notified when it's available! 


ChatGPT FAQ

Yes, but they should have parental supervision.

Both! Kids can use the AI assistant to cheat by having it write essays or complete math homework, but it can also be used to research and gain a deeper understanding of topics. For example, we asked ChatGPT, “Solve for the square root of 3,400.” It proceeded to explain how to find the answer instead of just giving the answer. 

It’s important to note, ChatGPT was trained before 2021, so modern history information won’t be available. It also can’t look up anything because doesn’t have access to the internet. It basically draws all of its information from its memory, so what it “knows” is limited.

Yep, but it also has a paid subscription plan. For $20 per month, you don’t have to wait in line to use it when the servers are busy, and you get access to new features first.

Alina Bradford
Written by
Alina is a safety and security expert that has contributed her insights to CNET, CBS, Digital Trends, MTV, Top Ten Reviews, and many others. Her goal is to make safety and security gadgets less mystifying one article at a time. In the early 2000s, Alina worked as a volunteer firefighter, earning her first responder certification and paving the way to her current career. Her activities aren’t nearly as dangerous today. Her hobbies include fixing up her 100-year-old house, doing artsy stuff, and going to the lake with her family.

Recent Articles

woman adjusting thermostat in bright home
The Best Home Security Systems and Alarm Companies of 2024
After thousands of hours of tests and research, we picked Vivint and SimpliSafe as the...
""
The Best Home Security Systems in Canada 2025
Learn about 2025's best home security systems for Canada with research from SafeWise experts. From...
Neighbourhood homes in the United Kingdom
The Best Home Alarm Systems in the UK in 2024
After testing 25+ of the best home alarm systems in the UK and evaluating over...
small yellow single family home
Abode vs Ring: Which security system is better?
Abode reigns over Ring in this DIY system face-off, but it’s not a clean sweep....