A Community-Based Framework by EASE
This publication presents EASE’s emerging framework for integrating AI literacy with youth mental wellbeing in rural and underserved communities.

Rationale
Artificial Intelligence tools are rapidly becoming embedded in education, communication, and entrepreneurship. However, rural youth often lack structured guidance on responsible AI use, critical evaluation of AI-generated content, and protection of digital wellbeing.

The EASE Framework

The framework integrates three pillars:
1. AI Literacy
Understanding how AI works, its limitations, bias risks, and appropriate use cases.

2. Digital Safety & Ethics
Data privacy, misinformation detection, responsible prompting, and online safeguarding.

3. Mental Wellbeing & Digital Balance
Screen-time management, stress awareness, emotional resilience, and healthy technology habits.

Policy Implications
The publication recommends that AI education initiatives:
- Embed mental wellbeing safeguards into digital literacy curricula.
- Provide structured educator training.
- Include monitoring of behavioural and wellbeing outcomes.
- Develop community-based dialogue on ethical AI adoption.

Conclusion
Responsible AI integration must prioritise youth safety, mental health, and critical thinking. Community-based, culturally contextualised approaches are essential for equitable and sustainable AI adoption in emerging regions.