United Kingdom, Aug. 19 -- OpenAI is introducing new safeguards for teenagers using ChatGPT, including controls designed to make the chatbot feel less like a human companion.

New teen accounts will allow users to disable ChatGPT's voice mode, while the company is also increasing reminders encouraging young people to take breaks from lengthy sessions.

OpenAI says the prompts will remind users that ChatGPT is an AI system and that they can step away from it.

The changes form part of a broader effort to create a separate experience for users aged 13 to 17.

OpenAI says teen accounts should have protections that reflect young people's development, support real-world relationships and encourage healthier use of AI.

The company has been dev...