At what age can my child use ChatGPT?
The recommended age, what the terms actually say, and what really matters when you decide at home.
This is one of the most common questions parents ask. The short answer: most AI apps set a minimum age in their terms, and below that age, use should always be supervised by an adult. But the age in the fine print is not the only thing that matters.
What the terms say
Tools like ChatGPT usually set a minimum age for having your own account, and a range below that where a parent's permission is required. It is worth checking the terms of each app yourself, since they change, rather than trusting what you have heard secondhand.
What really matters
More than the exact number, what matters is how it is used. A nine year old writing a story with AI next to their mother is in a very different situation than a teenager using it alone without judgment. Supervision, not age, is what makes the difference at the start.
- Up to twelve, a shared account and supervised use focused on creating works best.
- Check the actual minimum age of the app you plan to use, since it changes.
- Agree together on what it is used for and what never gets shared.
FAQ
Can a ten year old use ChatGPT?
With an adult's account and supervision, yes, they can create with AI. For their own account, check the app's minimum age, which is usually higher.
What is the alternative if my child is very young?
Have an adult operate the tool and share the result with the child. That way they take part in creating without needing their own account.