Purpose: The Screentime Challenge is a research study designed by the research team at the 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 U.S., (3) have one Android phone, and (4) have an active U.S. phone number 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 research team at the University of Pennsylvania and we may share anonymized data with other researchers. Phone usage data is collected during the 7-day program and, after it ends, for a further 90 days. 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 the 7-day program. 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.
After the 7-day program: When the 7-day program ends, the app keeps collecting your phone usage data for a further 90 days so that researchers can study how phone habits hold up over time. You will not receive any messages during those 90 days. You can stop this collection at any time from the Settings screen in the app, and collection stops on its own once the 90 days are over. Stopping collection does not delete the data already collected; that data is retained under the approved study protocol.
Message frequency and data rates: You will receive approximately 1 to 2 messages per day during the 7-day program, including daily screentime summaries, app download links, and program communications. Messages stop when the 7-day program ends. Message and data rates may apply.
Opt-out and 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. To stop phone usage collection after the program, use the Settings screen in the app. You may also withdraw from the study by uninstalling the app at any time. If you stop collection or 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 research team 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.