Voices in the Code: Youth-Centered Design of AI Mental Health Tools

Voices in the Code is a three-year, youth-centered research initiative examining how artificial intelligence (AI)–powered social-emotional learning (SEL) and mental health tools can be designed to better serve students. As universities and schools increasingly adopt AI chatbots and wellness applications to address the growing youth mental health crisis, many of these tools reflect limited perspectives from their development teams, raising concerns about relevance and effectiveness.

This project engages middle school and collegiate students as co-designers and evaluators of existing AI mental health tools. Students will systematically test popular AI-powered SEL applications, participate in focus groups and interviews, and collaborate in structured co-design workshops to identify gaps in how current tools respond to their lived experiences, communication styles, and stressors. Through iterative design cycles, students will help develop AI prototypes informed by their insights.

By centering youth voices throughout the research process, Voices in the Code will generate evidence-based recommendations and a practical framework for developing AI-driven SEL tools that more effectively support emotional well-being across student populations. Findings will be translated into actionable guidance for schools, universities, and mental health practitioners, ensuring that research outcomes directly inform the design and implementation of AI-based student support systems.