Adolescents spend more and more time on their phones, while at the same time, their well-being is declining. Parents/caregivers and teachers are concerned about these developments and attempt to reduce phone use through various rules and policies. But what works? For whom? And in what context?
Project goal
In the “At home and in the locker” project, researchers from Radboud University and Erasmus University collaborate with adolescents, parents/caregivers, schools, knowledge institutions, and practice partners to investigate which phone-related measures—both at home and at school—contribute to the digital resilience and well-being of adolescents. The aim is to develop a practical and effective toolbox with measures that genuinely support adolescents in healthy phone use.
Approach
This project strongly emphasises participatory action research, involving adolescents, parents/caregivers, and teachers in every phase of the research process.
The project starts with a literature review to gain insight into the existing knowledge on the topic. Next, together with adolescents, we gather information through interviews and surveys with adolescents, parents/caregivers, and teachers to identify current measures, understand how these are experienced, and assess their effects on adolescents’ well-being. The ultimate goal is to explore which measures do or do not work, for whom specifically, and in what context.
Together with adolescents, parents/caregivers, and teachers, we develop a toolbox containing practical, evidence-based measures. This toolbox is then tested in real-world settings and adjusted where necessary. It provides context-specific guidance tailored to adolescents' needs, increases understanding of the impact of various phone measures on their well-being, and includes strategies for actively involving adolescents in creating these policies.
Finally, we share the results and toolbox with the broader public so adolescents, parents/caregivers, and teachers can use them. This leads to three key behavioural changes: all parties collaborate on creating rules, feel empowered, and help create an environment where adolescents feel heard and experience little resistance. Ultimately, this leads to the desired social impact: adolescents become digitally resilient and healthily use their phones, supporting their well-being.
