"Safeguarding Hong Kong Youth in the AI Era" is a social-impact research study established to build a future-proofed framework for digital safety. As generative AI (GenAI) rapidly evolves, this study will investigate how young people are engaging with GenAI. The study embeds a neuroinclusive Universal Design framework to ensure that psychological safety, data collection, and agency are protected for every brain.

The study will translate research into proactive school safety protocols. Led by Co-Principal Investigators Prof. Naubahar Sharif (EdUHK) and Mary Foxworth (Foxworth Institute), the study operates under formal ethical clearance approved by the EdUHK Human Research Ethics Committee. (HREC).

The study evaluates youth behaviour across four interconnected, policy-aligned pillars:

Identifying the root causes of digital relationship anxiety and online isolation to strengthen psychological safety, and disclosure and help-seeking pathways.

Evaluating how young people recognise, navigate, and process emerging AI tools, deepfakes, and algorithmic environments.

Measuring youth capacity to practise informed consent, establish digital boundaries, and navigate peer dynamics in private online spaces.

Examining how AI tools impact perceptions of human relationships and real-world connection.

GOVERNANCE NOTE: To guarantee maximum safeguarding rigour, independent institutional ethical clearance has been formally approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK).

We are currently onboarding secondary schools across Hong Kong to participate in this landmark social-impact study conducted in partnership with EdUHK. School and student participation is fully anonymous and designed for minimal administrative impact on your teaching staff.

Participating school leadership and safeguarding leads receive exclusive early access to the resulting Digital Agency Toolkit, equipping school leadership and families with the tools needed to safeguard youth, honour student agency, and foster safe digital connection.

Want to Learn More?

Maintaining your trust and ensuring student safety are our highest priorities. We welcome the opportunity to answer any questions regarding our research study. Please feel free to contact us directly at this email address.

Email: connect@foxworthinstitute.com