Can a helpline prevent harmful sexual behavior in teens?
NCT ID NCT07525778
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether the WhatsOK helpline can help teens aged 14-17 who are worried about their sexual thoughts or behaviors. Participants will be randomly assigned to use the helpline or not, and researchers will track whether they seek other support and whether they engage in harmful sexual behaviors. The goal is to see if a confidential helpline can prevent problems before they start.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- WhatsOK helpline (behavioral intervention)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide an effective, confidential helpline that helps teens avoid harmful sexual behaviors and get the right support early.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage trial with no prior efficacy data. The results depend on teens actually using the helpline and reporting honestly, which may not reflect real-world use.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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 920 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Apr 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2029
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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14 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: * must be ages 14-17 years at baseline * must have concerns about their sexual thoughts or behaviors * must be able to read, write, and speak in English Exclusion Criteria: * Under 14 or over 17 years of age * Does not have concerns about their sexual thoughts or behaviors * Previously contacted a helpline or hotline for concerns about their sexual thoughts or behaviors * Is not able to read, write, or speak in English * Does not consent to participate
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
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