How to cite ChatGPT

How to Cite ChatGPT in a School Project (Correctly and Responsibly)
For students and teachers in Irish secondary schools

As AI tools like ChatGPT become more popular in schools, knowing how to properly cite them is essential. Just like you’d cite a book or a website, using ChatGPT requires academic honesty. Here’s how to do it right—aligned with best practice and responsible AI use in education.

When Should You Cite ChatGPT?

You should cite ChatGPT when:

You include direct responses from ChatGPT in your work.
You paraphrase or summarise something ChatGPT generated.
You use it to brainstorm or structure ideas that significantly shape your final output.

How to Cite ChatGPT in Your Project

Below are simple ways to reference ChatGPT depending on the style your teacher asks for:

MLA Style (common in secondary school essays):

OpenAI. ChatGPT. August 5, 2025, https://chat.openai.com.

APA Style (used in social sciences):

OpenAI. (2025, August 5). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com

Chicago Style (used in history and humanities):

OpenAI. ChatGPT. August 5, 2025. https://chat.openai.com

If you directly quote what ChatGPT said, you can format it like this in-text:

According to ChatGPT, “career planning tools should be personalised and student-led” (OpenAI, 2025).

Tips for Students

Always fact-check: ChatGPT is a helpful tool, but it can get things wrong.
Don’t overuse it: Use it as a guide, not a crutch.
Be transparent: Let your teacher know when you used AI. That’s part of becoming a responsible digital citizen.

For Teachers and Schools

The UNESCO framework promotes digital literacy, academic integrity, and ethical use of technology. Citing ChatGPT supports all three.

Want Help Integrating AI into School Work?

At MyCareerVerse, we offer tailored workshops to help:

Students use AI tools responsibly.
Teachers embed AI into research and writing tasks with confidence.
Schools create policies around AI and academic honesty.

Contact us today to book a workshop for your school and stay ahead of the curve.