OpenAI has committed $5 million to support independent research on the impact of generative AI on the lives and development of teenagers aged 13-17. The initiative aims to build a stronger evidence base about how teens use AI and the effects of AI on their lives, social and emotional development, and overall well-being. OpenAI welcomes proposals that can deepen understanding and generate evidence relevant to current and emerging discourse, including how teens use generative AI and how different patterns of use relate to developmental outcomes, potential impacts of AI use in teens’ lives, and technical interventions that can increase benefits or keep teens safer. Submissions are open until October 6, 2026, and selected proposals will be notified by November 13, 2026. Each funded project will be expected to provide OpenAI with a final report detailing research methods, results, limitations, and recommendations for policymakers and technology providers. The total funding available is up to $5 million, with individual grants up to $1 million. A maximum of 10% of each project’s grant can support overhead or indirect costs.
Source: OpenAI
