The REWIRE Behaviour Study
The REWIRE study is for young people aged 12 to 17 who feel anxious or down and use social media for over three hours a day. It's split into two parts: first, a small group tries out the REWIRE program to make sure it works well. Then, about 100 young people and their parents will join the main study. Half will try the REWIRE program, which helps reduce social media use and encourages fun real-world activities. The other half will learn about social media and health but won't change their use. Researchers want to see if reducing social media can improve feelings of anxiety and depression.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The REWIRE study is looking into whether changing how much time young people spend on social media can help with feelings of anxiety and depression. We know that being a teenager can be a tricky time, and lots of young people use social media. This study specifically welcomes young people aged 12 to 17 who spend more than three hours a day on social media and also experience feelings of anxiety or depression.
The study has two main parts. First, a small group will try out the REWIRE program to make sure it's helpful and easy to follow before the main part of the study begins. After that, about 100 young people and their parents or guardians will be divided into two groups by chance. One group will take part in the REWIRE program, which aims to help them cut down their social media use by about half and spend more time doing other enjoyable things, like hanging out with friends, enjoying hobbies, or playing sports. The other group will receive information about social media and its effect on health but won't be asked to change their social media habits.
The main goal is to see if taking part in the REWIRE program can lead to an improvement in anxiety and depression symptoms. Researchers will also look at other things, like how it might affect brain activity, feelings of loneliness, body image, and overall well-being. By understanding more about social media's impact and how to use it in a healthier way, this study hopes to find new ways to support young people's mental health.
Key takeaways
- The study helps young people with anxiety or depression who use lots of social media.
- It teaches ways to reduce social media time and do more offline activities.
- A parent or guardian needs to take part too.
- The programme lasts for 12 weeks with weekly group sessions.
- It helps researchers understand how social media affects young brains and mental health.
- You'll get an opportunity to have brain scans and answer questionnaires.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for the REWIRE study, you would need to be between 12 and 17 years old and currently experiencing some feelings of anxiety or depression. You should also be using social media for more than three hours each day and own a smartphone.
It's important that a parent or guardian is also able and willing to take part in the study alongside you, as their involvement is key. You and your caregiver should also be able to communicate in English.
You wouldn't be able to join if you don't fit these descriptions, for example, if you don't have a caregiver who can participate, or if you don't typically use social media for more than three hours a day.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you aged 12-17?
- Do you use social media for more than 3 hours a day?
- Do you sometimes feel anxious or depressed?
- Do you own a smartphone?
- Can a parent or guardian attend weekly sessions with you?
- Can you speak and understand English?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in the REWIRE study, it will involve weekly group sessions for you and your parent/guardian over 12 weeks. These sessions will either teach you strategies to reduce social media use and encourage offline activities (the REWIRE program) or provide general information about social media and health.
Throughout the study, you'll be asked to track your physical activity, fill out questionnaires about your mental health, daily activities, and social media use. You'll also need to share daily screenshots of your phone usage. Before and after the 12-week program, young participants will have brain scans and complete some thinking tests to see if there are any changes. At the very end, some participants will be chosen at random for an interview to talk about their experiences. The total duration of active participation will be 12 weeks.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Children's Hospital of Eastern OntarioVerified postcodeOttawa, Canada
Common questions
What is the REWIRE program?
It's a program designed to help young people reduce their social media use and get more involved in enjoyable real-world activities like hobbies or spending time with friends.
Will I have to stop using social media completely?
No, the aim of the REWIRE program is to reduce your social media use to about half of what you currently use, not to stop it entirely.
What is a 'brain scan'?
A brain scan, like an MRI, is a safe way to take pictures of your brain. It helps researchers understand how the brain works and if it changes after reducing social media use.
Do my parents have to be involved?
Yes, a parent or guardian must be able and willing to participate in the weekly group sessions alongside you for the study.
How long will the study last?
The main part of the study, including the weekly sessions, will last for 12 weeks.
How to find out more
Karina Branje
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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