Doctor-led chat may curb teen smartphone overuse
NCT ID NCT07685951
First seen Jul 06, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether a dedicated medical consultation using a structured interview guide can help adolescents aged 12 to 17 reduce their smartphone screen time. Teens who spend more than 14 hours per week on their phones and score high on a screening questionnaire are randomly assigned to either the structured consultation or standard care. The goal is to see if this brief, focused conversation leads to healthier screen habits and less time on devices.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Structured interview guide
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this approach could give primary care doctors a practical tool to help teens reduce excessive screen time and its related health risks.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small, early-stage behavioral study. Results may not apply broadly, and teens may not follow through on screen-time goals.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 400 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Oct 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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12 to 17 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adolescent aged 12 to 17 years at the time of enrolment (participants aged 17 must not have turned 18 on the day of inclusion). * Adolescent owning a smartphone, with usage \>14 hours/week and a score \>10/21 on the early overexposure screening questionnaire (e-KID). * Adolescent and parent(s) or legal guardian(s) able to understand the objectives of the research. * Adolescent whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have signed an electronic informed consent (e-Consent) prior to any study-related procedures. (The minor's signature will be sought but is not mandatory. In accordance with Article L1122-2, consent from one parent/legal guardian is sufficient for inclusion and data analysis; however, consent from both parents will be systematically sought.) \- Adolescent affiliated with a health insurance plan (either as the beneficiary or dependent). Exclusion Criteria: * Adolescent with severe psychiatric disorders (DSM-V diagnosis and/or treatment with amphetamines, neuroleptics, or psychotropic drugs). * Adolescent currently excluded from participation due to a previous or ongoing study. * Adolescent under legal guardianship or conservatorship (tutelle or curatelle). * Adolescent female who is pregnant or breastfeeding (self-reported). * Adolescent under judicial protection (sauvegarde de justice). * Adolescent in an emergency situation, with comprehension difficulties, or cognitive impairment. * Adolescent who does not speak or understand French. * Adolescent who opposes participation in the study.
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As listed by the trial registrant
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How to take part
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The official record
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