Developing a wearable device to measure children's screen time accurately

Novel wearable sensor calibration and validation for automated measurement of screen time in children

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11009506

This study is testing a new wearable device that helps parents see how much time their kids spend on screens like tablets and smartphones, so they can better understand and manage their children's screen time for healthier habits.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11009506 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating and validating a wearable sensor that can accurately measure how much time children spend using electronic screens, such as tablets and smartphones. By employing advanced machine learning techniques, the study aims to improve the understanding of screen time's impact on children's health and wellbeing. The researchers will conduct tests in both controlled environments and natural settings to ensure the device's accuracy and reliability. This project seeks to provide a better tool for parents and caregivers to monitor and manage children's screen exposure.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children aged 0-11 years who use electronic screens regularly.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use electronic screens or are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide parents and healthcare providers with a reliable way to track and manage children's screen time, potentially improving their health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using wearable devices for measuring health behaviors, but this specific approach to screen time measurement in children is novel.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.