OpenAI vice president: How we can keep kids safe in the age of AI | Opinion

California parents and policymakers are at the forefront of critical conversations about how to keep kids safe in an increasingly digital world. The internet is full of opportunities and has opened doors that previous generations could barely imagine. Young people can learn new skills, explore their creativity and connect with peers across the globe. But at the same time, the rapid growth of the digital world has increased the risk of exposure to cyberbullying, misinformation, inappropriate content and scams.

The question we now must face is not whether young people should be exposed to technology — because that reality is already here. Instead, the question is how adults can be responsible stewards of that technology to make the experience safe and healthy for our kids while we allow them to tap into creativity, boundless opportunities.

As a parent of teenagers, I know that when policymakers show up for work, they don’t take their hats off as parents who want to set standards and safeguards for the next generation.

It is that spirit of shared responsibility that captures what this conversation is all about: It is more than just a symbolic moment — it’s a call to action for parents, educators, policymakers and technology companies alike to work together to reduce exposure to online harm and strengthen digital literacy.

Technology leaders are beginning to take these risks seriously. OpenAI’s Teen Safety Blueprint lays out ways to make AI safer for young people. The blueprint includes age-appropriate safeguards, guidance for parents and educators and tools to help young people make informed choices when interacting with AI.

Equally important are partnerships with trusted organizations that support families and schools. Through collaborations with groups like Common Sense Media and Connect Safely, we can make this work even stronger. Together, these partnerships provide practical advice, lesson plans and resources that families and schools can use to teach teens how to navigate the digital world responsibly.

Of course, no single company or organization can solve these challenges alone. Protecting young people online requires a broader ecosystem approach. Our policymakers must craft durable frameworks that encourage innovation while clearly setting expectations for how to keep our kids safe — not just for the technologies we see today, but for the ones their generation will grow up with tomorrow.

Teachers need the training and tools to effectively integrate and teach responsible digital practices alongside traditional subjects. Parents need access to the knowledge that will help them maintain visibility despite the realities of busy households. Finally, technology companies must continue investing in safeguards, transparency and research to understand how their products affect young users over time.

By combining smart policies, thoughtful design and educational resources, we can ensure that the digital world remains a place where young people can learn, explore and grow safely.

Ann O’Leary is OpenAI’s newly-named vice president of global policy. She was former chief of staff for Gov. Gavin Newsom.

This story was originally published February 27, 2026 at 5:00 AM.