Understanding how children's mobile device use affects their mental health and wellness

Technology Exposure and Child Health: Wellness Impact and Social Effects (TECHWISE): an Observational Product Registry Study

This study looks at how kids aged 8 to 17 use their mobile devices and how it affects their mental health, physical activity, and sleep over three months.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 1000 (estimated)
• Ages: 8 Years to 17 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Aura (industry)
• Locations: 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
• Trial ID: NCT06664944 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the relationship between children's mobile device usage, including social media and online games, and their mental wellness, physical activity, and sleep patterns. Children aged 8 to 17, along with a parent or caregiver, will participate by using the Aura app to track their device usage and complete monthly surveys on various aspects of mental health and well-being. The study is fully virtual and lasts for three months, allowing researchers to gather data on mood, stress, and social interactions. Both children and their parents will provide insights through questionnaires to better understand the impact of technology on mental health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 8 to 17 who have access to a mobile device and are willing to participate with their parent or guardian.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those without access to a mobile device or those who are unable to complete the required surveys independently.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into how technology influences children's mental health, potentially guiding parents and caregivers in managing device usage.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies examining technology's impact on mental health, this specific approach using the Aura app for real-time data collection is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Child participants are male, female, non-binary persons, ages 8-17, inclusive
2. Parent/Authorized Legal Guardian willing to provide informed consent; child willing to provide assent
3. Both Parent/Authorized Legal Guardian and child own a mobile device that already has the Aura app or is able to install and run the Aura app, and the appropriate parental control features.
4. Parent/Authorized Legal Guardian and child are willing for child to use a dedicated device for the duration of the study (ie., child cannot share device with a sibling or other family member).
5. Multiple children from the same family are eligible to participate, provided that each enrolled child uses a dedicated device AND is able to complete outcome assessments independently, AND that parent/authorized legal guardian is able to complete assessments for each enrolled child.
6. Both Parent/Authorized Legal Guardian and child willing to share data collected as part of the Aura app and related device applications
7. Consented Parent/Authorized Legal Guardian and child maintain active Aura accounts throughout their study participation
8. Consented Parent/Authorized Legal Guardian and child are able to follow written and verbal instructions (English) as assessed by the PI and/or study coordinator
9. Consented Parent/Authorized Legal Guardian and child are to comply with all testing and study requirements

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

• Aura — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Scott Kollins, Doctorate in Psychology — Aura
• Study coordinator: Karen Goetz

Conditions: Mood, Depression Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Sleep, Eating Disorders, Physical Activity, Loneliness, Stress