70% of mental health challenges emerge during childhood and adolescence [1], prompting experts to classify this as a mental health crisis [2]. Simultaneously, studies highlight increasing engagement with artificial intelligence (AI) among youth [3]. While the relationship between AI use and mental health is complex, both are recognized as key factors influencing well-being [4, 5]. The rapid adoption of AI stresses the importance of guiding young individuals’ interactions with these tools to ensure they support, rather than hinder, mental health. Mental health literacy promotes wellness and effective support [6], while AI literacy has become essential for navigating technology [7]. Integrating AI and mental health literacies presents a unique opportunity to enhance youth and child mental health and responsible AI use[8]. Research indicates that combining these literacies equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to use AI effectively, fostering positive mental health outcomes [8]. This study synthesizes research in positive psychology, mental health literacy, and AI in education, proposing a framework for educators to integrate these literacies, creating environments that support students’ mental health and academic success. The study bridges positive psychology with AI literacy, laying the groundwork for future research and practice in education.

References:
[1] E. A. Rider, E. Ansari, P. H. Varrin, and J. Sparrow, "Mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic," BMJ, vol. 374, no. 1, 2021
[2] A. Maerlender and P. G. Bray, "Adolescent Mental Health in the Twenty-First Century," Adolescent Public Mental Health: Why Systems Need Changing and How a Public Mental Health Approach Can Work, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 11-33, 2024
[3] Harvard Graduate School of Education, "Students Are Using AI Already—Here’s What They Think Adults Should Know," Usable Knowledge, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/24/09/students-are-using-ai-already-heres-what-they-think-adults-should-know
[4] American Enterprise Institute, "Leveraging AI's Immense Capabilities While Safeguarding the Mental Health of Our Youth," Technology and Innovation, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.aei.org/technology-and-innovation/leveraging-ais-immense-capabilities-while-safeguarding-the-mental-health-of-our-youth/#:~:text=AI%20technologies%20might%20reinforce%20negative,than%20a%20catalyst%20for%20isolation
[5] M. F. Shahzad, S. Xu, W. M. Lim, X. Yang, and Q. R. Khan, "Artificial intelligence and social media on academic performance and mental well-being: Student perceptions of positive impact in the age of smart learning," Heliyon, vol. 10, no. 8, 2024
[6] C. Suwanwong, A. Jansem, U. Intarakamhang, P. Prasittichok, S. Tuntivivat, K. Chuenphittayavut, K. Le, and L. T. M. Lien, "Modifiable predictors of mental health literacy in the educational context: a systematic review and meta-analysis," BMC Psychology, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 378, 2024. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01878-4
[7] D. Long and B. Magerko, "What is AI literacy? Competencies and design considerations," Proceedings of the 2020 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 1-16, 2020
[8] R. S. de Almeida, "Beyond Textbooks and Standard Practices: Advancing Mental Health Literacy with Digital Tools," in Emerging Technologies for Health Literacy and Medical Practice (Editors eds.), pp. 20-46, Hershey, PA: IGI Global, 2024

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Mental Health, Youth, Education, Literacy, Positive Psychology, Well-being, Digital Wellness, Technology Integration, Academic Success.