WHITE PAPER · 2026

Evaluating AI in Youth Wellness: The S.U.R.E. Framework

By Clarke Heyes, PhD & Elsa Friis, PhD — Alongside's evidence-based protocol for evaluating AI wellness tools in K–12 schools across four critical dimensions: Safe, Understandable, Restricted, and Ethical.

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The Four Pillars of S.U.R.E.

S

Safe

Does the AI protect the user from harm? This is the gating mechanism. AI must detect and provide resources/alerts for severe issues and meet the EU U18 safety standards before further evaluation.

U

Understandable

Can a youth or young adult understand and relate to this? Evaluates tone, warmth, and reading level.

R

Restricted

Evaluates proper product guardrails, including appropriate content, non-sychophantic empowerment, and encouraging human connection.

E

Ethical

Is the content credible and ethical? Ensures the AI avoids misinformation and deceptive empathy. Prevents the AI from posing as a clinician or human.

4+

Years Deployed

37

Languages Supported

83%

Students Sought Help

200+

Student Advisors

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S.U.R.E. Framework
White Paper

Evaluating AI Safety in K–12 Youth Wellness — 2026

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