Texting parents to soothe anxious preschoolers — a trial puts it to the test

NCT ID NCT07728344

First seen Jul 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 28, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether a mobile health parenting intervention — delivered via text messages and WeChat posts — can reduce anxiety symptoms, screen use, and social-emotional problems in children aged 3 to 6. Around 356 parent-child pairs will be randomly assigned to receive either the parenting tips or general health messages. The goal is to see if simple, scalable guidance can make a difference in early childhood mental health.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
a mobile health parenting intervention delivered via text messages and WeChat posts
What this could lead to
If effective, this low-cost approach could offer a scalable way to reduce anxiety and problematic screen habits in young children.
What could go wrong
The trial is relatively small and relies on parent reports, which may be biased. The effect may be modest or not last long-term.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANXIETY SYMPTOMS IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.