•  
  •  
 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

Contents

Purpose and Definition

The Journal of Youth Development (JYD) recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly being used in scholarly work. This policy establishes expectations for the responsible, transparent, and ethical use of AI throughout the manuscript submission, peer review, and editorial processes. The policy is intended to support scholarly integrity while allowing for appropriate use of emerging technologies.

For purposes of this policy, AI refers primarily to generative artificial intelligence tools, including large language models, generative text systems, image generators, and similar technologies capable of producing original content.

Routine tools such as spell-checkers, grammar-checking software, citation management systems, and standard translation software are not considered generative AI for purposes of disclosure unless they substantially contribute to the generation or revision of manuscript content.

{ top }

1. Foundational Principles

1.1 No AI Authorship

Artificial intelligence tools, including generative AI systems, cannot be listed as authors of manuscripts submitted to JYD. Authorship requires intellectual accountability, responsibility for the integrity of the work, and the ability to respond to questions regarding the manuscript—responsibilities that cannot be assumed by AI tools.

1.2 Author Accountability

Authors remain fully responsible for all content submitted to JYD, including any content generated or modified with AI assistance. Authors are accountable for the accuracy of all claims, analyses, interpretations, citations, references, and conclusions presented in the manuscript.

The use of AI does not diminish author responsibility for ensuring compliance with accepted standards of scholarly integrity, including the avoidance of fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, or citation inaccuracies.

1.3 Confidentiality and Intellectual Property

Manuscripts submitted to JYD, unpublished data, reviewer comments, editorial communications, and author identities are confidential. Reviewers and editors must not upload manuscripts, unpublished materials, or identifying information to public or open AI platforms. Doing so may compromise confidentiality, violate intellectual property protections, and conflict with ethical obligations associated with peer review.

{ top }

2. Author Use of AI

2.1 Disclosure Requirements

Authors must disclose substantive use of generative AI during manuscript preparation.

Examples of substantive use include, but are not limited to:

  • Generating or revising manuscript text.
  • Summarizing literature.
  • Assisting with coding, categorization, or interpretation of qualitative data.
  • Supporting statistical programming or analytic procedures.
  • Creating figures, tables, images, or other manuscript content.

Use of AI solely for basic spelling, grammar, punctuation, or language polishing does not require disclosure.

2.2 Where Disclosure Appears

Authors must disclose AI use in the following locations:

Cover Letter: Authors should briefly describe any substantive use of AI during manuscript development so that editors and reviewers can appropriately evaluate the submission.

Methods Section: When AI tools are used in activities related to data analysis, coding, interpretation, content generation, or other aspects relevant to the conduct of the study, authors must describe the use of those tools within the methods section sufficiently to support transparency and reproducibility.

2.3 Level of Detail

Disclosures should identify:

  1. The AI tool or system used; and
  2. How the tool was used in the development of the manuscript or study.

Extensive technical detail is not required unless necessary for understanding the research process or replicating the work.

2.4 Participant Data and Sensitive Information

JYD publishes research that frequently involves minors and sensitive program-related information. Authors should exercise caution when using AI tools with participant data.

Authors should not enter identifiable participant information, confidential data, or other protected information into AI systems when doing so may compromise privacy, confidentiality, informed consent agreements, institutional review requirements, or applicable legal and ethical standards.

Authors remain responsible for ensuring that the use of AI tools complies with institutional policies, IRB requirements, data use agreements, and applicable privacy regulations.

{ top }

3. Reviewer and Editor Use of AI

3.1 Reviewer Use

Reviewers may use AI tools to assist with editing, organizing, or improving the clarity of review comments that they have independently authored.

Reviewers may not upload manuscript content, unpublished data, figures, tables, author information, or other confidential materials into public or open AI systems.

Reviewers are expected to conduct their own independent evaluation of submissions. AI tools may not substitute for scholarly judgment in the peer-review process.

3.2 Editor Use

Editors may use AI tools to assist with drafting decision letters, synthesizing reviewer feedback, or improving the clarity and organization of editorial communications that they have independently authored.

Editors may not upload confidential manuscript content, unpublished data, author information, or reviewer identities into public or open AI systems.

Editorial decisions remain the responsibility of the editor and may not be delegated to AI tools. AI tools may not substitute for scholarly judgment in the editorial process.

3.3 Disclosure by Reviewers and Editors

JYD does not currently require reviewers or editors to disclose routine use of AI tools for language polishing, organizational support, or feedback synthesis, provided such use complies with the confidentiality requirements outlined above.

{ top }

4. Enforcement and Oversight

JYD expects authors, reviewers, and editors to comply with this policy in good faith.

Concerns regarding inappropriate AI use will be addressed through existing editorial and publication ethics procedures.

{ top }

5. Effective Date and Review

This policy applies to all new manuscripts submitted on or after the effective date established by the Journal of Youth Development.

Manuscripts already under review at the time of implementation will not be subject to the disclosure requirements outlined in this policy.

Given the rapidly evolving nature of AI technologies, JYD will review this policy regularly and revise it as needed.

{ top }