Text messaging program to prevent bullying in middle school students
Developing a Bullying Prevention Program That Transcends Physical Boundaries
This study tests a text messaging program designed to help middle school students prevent bullying, whether they're learning in-person or online.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Center for Innovative Public Health Research Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (San Clemente, California and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06017050 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
BullyDown is an intervention designed to address bullying among middle school-aged youth through a text messaging-based program. It aims to provide an efficient and effective method of intervention that can be implemented regardless of whether students are attending school physically or virtually. The program is scalable and can be disseminated quickly and cost-effectively across the nation, targeting 7th and 8th graders who have access to a cell phone and home internet. Participants will be compared to an attention-matched control group to assess the program's effectiveness.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are 7th and 8th grade students who speak English, own a cell phone, and have home internet access.
Not a fit: Students who are non-English speakers, unable to read the screener, or do not have an unlimited text messaging plan may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce instances of bullying among middle school students and improve their overall well-being.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with text messaging interventions for behavioral issues, indicating that this approach has potential.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 7th or 8th grade * English speaking * Own their own cell phone * Home internet * Provide informed assent Exclusion Criteria: * Non-English speakers * Unable to read the screener * Know someone else in the RCT * Know they are not on an unlimited text messaging plan
Where this trial is running
San Clemente, California and 1 other locations
- Center for Innovative Public Health Research — San Clemente, California, United States (Recruiting)
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States (Completed)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.