OpenAI Offers $5 Million for Independent Research on AI and Teen Development

OpenAI is committing $5 million to fund independent studies of how generative AI affects people ages 13–17. The program, announced September 8, 2026, is intended to build evidence about how teenagers use AI and how that use may shape their social and emotional development. OpenAI News is accepting applications through October 6, 2026.

The company says the research could inform AI products for younger users, safeguards, education, and decisions by policymakers and regulators. Eligible projects can examine topics including emotional well-being, identity, resilience, friendships, family relationships, social connection, and how outcomes vary by age, culture, language, socioeconomic circumstances, and patterns of use.

What researchers can propose

OpenAI is inviting work across psychology, child development, public health, human-computer interaction, sociology, communication, data science, and AI safety. Qualitative, quantitative, experimental, observational, theoretical, participatory, and mixed-method studies are all eligible. Projects may also evaluate age-appropriate design, parental or educator support, AI literacy, and technical interventions that reduce risks.

The program is open to applicants from any country, with priority potentially given to regions where AI adoption is significant. Proposals involving ChatGPT, interdisciplinary teams, underrepresented populations, or findings with near- and medium-term policy value may also receive preference.

Studies involving minors must address consent and assent, privacy, data security, safeguarding, responses to disclosures of harm, and relevant ethics review. Applicants will also need to explain their methods, timeline, budget, team expertise, conflicts of interest, and how results could translate into practical guidance.

For AI builders, the grants signal a push toward more evidence-based decisions about teen-facing systems—an area where usage is expanding faster than independent research.

Source: OpenAI News