RecruitingInterventional

Helping young people to adapt their internet use and promote mental well-being in a rapidly changing world

This study, called BootStRaP, aims to help young people aged 12 to 16 manage their internet use and boost their mental well-being. Many young people use digital devices a lot, which can sometimes affect their mental health. This study involves using fun and interactive smartphone apps that teach skills to better understand and control emotions and internet habits. Participants will learn how to reflect on their screen time and make healthier choices. It's a low-risk study where young people are supported by their schools and can get mental health help if needed. The goal is to develop better tools to support young people in a world where technology is constantly changing.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Hertfordshire

Enrolment target

5,871

Start

20 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

30 Mar 2027

Problematic usage of the internet in adolescents

What is this study about?

In today's fast-paced digital world, many young people spend a lot of time online. Sometimes, this can lead to what researchers call 'problematic internet use,' which might affect their mental health and daily lives. The BootStRaP study is designed to help teenagers aged 12 to 16 understand their internet habits better and learn important skills to keep their minds healthy while using digital devices.

This study brings together experts from many different countries to explore how digital technology affects young people. They want to find new ways to help young people deal with the challenges of being online and develop healthier routines. By taking part, young people will contribute to important research that could lead to better support and tools for others in the future.

The main idea is to help young people adapt to the digital world in a positive way. The study aims to give them practical tools to manage their emotions and control urges to be online too much. It's all about making sure that using the internet is a helpful and enjoyable part of life, rather than something that causes stress or affects well-being.

Key takeaways

Helps young people aged 12-16 with internet use and mental health.
Uses fun smartphone apps to teach emotional and self-control skills.
Low-risk study with support from schools and mental health resources.
Contributes to research for better youth support tools.
Participation involves short, engaging tasks and assessments.
You can leave the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a student at one of the schools taking part. You also need to be between 12 and 16 years old.

It's important that you have your own mobile phone that you use regularly. Your phone also needs to have a reasonably up-to-date operating system (iOS version 15.6 or newer for Apple phones, or Android version 10 or newer for Android phones).

If you don't have regular access to your own mobile phone, or if your phone's operating system is older than what's listed, then this study might not be suitable for you.

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 between 12 and 16 years old?
Do you go to a school that is involved in this study?
Do you have regular access to your own mobile phone?
Is your phone's operating system reasonably up-to-date (iOS 15.6+ or Android 10+)?
Are you comfortable using smartphone apps for tasks and activities?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will be done entirely through two smartphone apps: BootstrApp and Dragon Game. For the first two weeks, you'll complete a 'baseline assessment.' This involves answering questions about your internet use, how you're feeling, and your personality. You'll also do some interactive tasks and the app will quietly collect information about how much you use your screen and different apps – don't worry, it won't look at private things like your messages or photos.

After that, you'll be put into one of three groups for four weeks. One group will focus on understanding and managing emotions, another on controlling impulses like endless scrolling, and a third will receive general information. You'll get short, engaging tasks every couple of days through the app, like playing games, watching videos, or reflecting on your mood. These tasks can be done at school or home. If you're someone who might struggle more with internet use, you could get extra support and activities.

After the four weeks, you'll have another assessment either three or six months later to see how things have changed. Throughout the study, teachers and students at your school will be there to help, and the app will provide links to mental health resources if you need them. You can also get feedback on your progress, like summaries of your screen time.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several benefits. You might learn useful ways to handle your emotions and control impulses, helping you improve your overall well-being and how you manage your internet use. You'll also be helping researchers develop better tools to support other young people. The study is considered very low risk. While some questions might feel personal, you can skip any that you don't want to answer. If anything makes you feel upset, there are links to support services within the app. Importantly, you are completely free to leave the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (9)

University of Hertfordshire
Approximate
Hatfield, England
Eotvos Lorand Tudomanyegyetem
Approximate
Budapest, Hungary
Universidade Do Porto
Approximate
Porto, Portugal
Lietuvos Sveikatos Mokslu Universitetas
Approximate
Kaunas, Lithuania
Stichting Vu
City only
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Fundacion Para La Investigacion Biomedica Del Hospital Gregorio Maranon
Unverified
Madrid, Spain
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Montpellier
Unverified
Montpellier, France
Heidelberg University
Unverified
Heidelberg, Germany
Universitat Zurich
Unverified
Zurich, Switzerland

Common questions

What is 'problematic internet use'?

It's when using the internet starts to cause problems in your daily life, like affecting your mood, schoolwork, or relationships, or making you feel like you can't stop.

Will my parents know what I'm doing in the study?

The study is for you, and your privacy is important. However, as you are likely under 18, your parents or guardians will need to give their permission for you to participate.

How much time will I need to spend on the study each day?

The tasks are designed to be short and engaging, delivered every couple of days. They won't take up a lot of your time and can be completed flexibly.

What if I feel uncomfortable or upset during the study?

There are support links within the app if you ever feel distressed. You can also talk to your school ambassador (teacher or student) or choose to stop participating whenever you want.

Is my personal information safe?

Yes, your personal content like messages or photos is not accessed. The study collects data on screen time and app usage to understand habits, but not your private information.

How to find out more

Natalie Hall

n.hall4@herts.ac.uk +44 (0)7394 361218 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.