On September 8, 2026, OpenAI announced that it is committing $5 million to support independent research on how generative AI affects the lives and development of young people aged 13–17.

The research program will examine not only how teenagers use generative AI, but also its potential effects on emotional and social development, relationships, and how outcomes may vary depending on the amount, type, and purpose of AI use.

    Other research priorities include age-appropriate design and safeguards, AI literacy, and support from parents and educators.

    The program welcomes a wide range of research approaches, including quantitative and qualitative studies, experimental research, and observational studies, with applications accepted from researchers around the world. OpenAI also identifies scientific rigor and independence as important review criteria, including the ability to produce trustworthy findings regardless of whether the results are favorable to AI providers.

Comment from GAME-F

The impact of AI on children cannot be understood simply as a choice between whether AI is “good” or “bad.” Now that generative AI is already widely used by young people, conducting new research is important—but it should not be the only focus.

    If companies have accumulated data on the behavior and safety of young users during the development and market introduction of AI services, mechanisms should also be established that allow independent researchers to scientifically re-examine such existing data. This is because evaluations conducted for product development and academic research examining the effects on children's health and development do not necessarily have the same objectives or outcome measures.

Refderenecs

OpenAI. Funding grants for new research into AI and teen development. September 8, 2026.
OpenAI — Funding grants for new research into AI and teen development