OpenAI AI Literacy Resources for Teens and Parents

OpenAI has introduced two new AI literacy resources designed to help families use ChatGPT thoughtfully and safely. These resources aim to provide a clear understanding of how AI models function and establish a framework for parents to guide their teens through thethe use of generative AI.

AI Literacy Guide for Families

The family-friendly guide explains the technical foundations of AI in plain language, focusing on how AI models are trained and the inherent risks of inaccuracies. The guide emphasizes the importance of double-checking information received from AI to ensure accuracy.

Key practical tips included in the guide are:

• Prompt Engineering: Guidance on how to write better prompts to get more useful responses.
• Consistency: Explanations of why users may receive different answers to the same question.
• Data Management: Instructions on how to manage user data and settings for improved privacy and security.

Guidance for Parents and Teens

OpenAI provides a set of tips and conversation starters to help parents engage with their teens regarding AI capabilities and limitations. This guidance is intended to help families build critical thinking skills and set healthy boundaries around AI use, specifically when navigating emotional or sensitive topics.

Expert Collaboration and Future Development

These resources were developed with input from the Expert Council on Well-Being and AI and ConnectSafely, organizations with expertise in online safety, human-computer interaction, teen development, and mental health.

OpenAI has committed to expanding these AI literacy efforts with additional guidance tailored to different ages and stages of development, with ongoing updates to the resources as new insights are gained.

Additional Resources

As of May 14, OpenAI has added a new parent guide specifically focused on using ChatGPT at home for family life, learning, and everyday support.