Supporting Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Age of AI

This project explores how young adults in the UK aged 18–25 years are using AI tools for mental health support and wellbeing. It is led by an Institute for Data and AI (IDAI) Collision Grant 2026 and co-led by Dorothy Butchard, Gianfranco Polizzi and Roxana Baiasu with a wider team at the University of Birmingham.

Methods and approach

We are using a range of methods to explore AI use among young people:

• Review of current research in this area
• UK-wide survey of young people aged 18-25
• Consultation with the IMH’s Youth Advisory Group
• Focus group discussions
• Policy workshops with young people and organisations

Join our study

Are you aged 18-25 and interested in AI, mental health and wellbeing? We invite you to join our focus groups or workshop with young people. Please complete our Expression of Interest form to register your interest and learn more.

Organisations and Networks

We will hold our first policy workshop with institutions and networks in July 2026. To join the event or find out more, please email Dorothy Butchard (d.butchard@bham.ac.uk).

Planning for the Future

This is a pilot project that aims to identify priorities and establish a foundation for future projects on digital wellbeing and emerging technologies. If you are a researcher, organisation, or community representative who may be interested in future plans, please contact the project team.

Supporting Centres and Institutes

Our funding is provided by the University’s Institute for Data and AI.

We have also benefitted from support and expertise from colleagues and initiatives in these University of Birmingham Institutes and Centres:

• Institute for Mental Health
• Centre for Urban Wellbeing
• Centre for Digital Cultures