Privacy Policy & Terms and Conditions

Purpose: The Screentime Challenge is a research study designed by researchers at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania to help people improve their health by encouraging them to track and reduce their screentime usage. All adults who (1) are 18 years or older, (2) reside in the US or Australia, (3) have an Android phone, and (4) have an active phone number in the U.S. or Australia that can receive texts can participate in the program.

Data Collected: In order to evaluate program effectiveness, we're asking for your permission to access your phone usage data as recorded by our phone application. By joining the program, you are allowing researchers to access your phone usage data, as well as additional demographic information you provide. All data will be de-identified when analyzed by researchers. Your individual responses to this program are being collected directly by the University of Pennsylvania and we may share anonymized data with other researchers. Your individual survey responses and usage data will be kept strictly confidential. Your phone number is used exclusively to send you program-related messages. Your information will not be sold to or shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

Participation: Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary. You must provide your phone number, set up an app (including enabling the relevant permissions), complete an in-app activity, and keep the app installed for 7 days. The app installation should take about 10 minutes, and you can withdraw from the study at any time. As part of this program, you may receive text reminders about the program and your screentime usage.

Message Frequency and Data Rates: You will receive approximately 1-2 messages per day during the 7-day program, including daily screentime summaries, app download links, and program communications. Message and data rates may apply.

Opt-Out & Leaving the Program: Your participation is completely voluntary. If you'd rather not participate, then do not consent to the program. To stop receiving messages at any time, text STOP. You may also withdraw from the study by uninstalling the app at any time. If you withdraw from the study, the information previously collected from you will be retained.

Additional Information: The Screentime Challenge is part of a research study intended to help researchers understand how to best create and maintain healthy screentime habits. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, you can email the lead researcher, Robert Kuan, at the University of Pennsylvania at info@screentimechallenge.org. You may also contact the Office of Regulatory Affairs with any question, concerns, or complaints at the University of Pennsylvania by calling (215) 898-2614.