Table 1 Summary of core components of the screen media reduction protocol
Core components | Content |
|---|---|
Planning the course of the SCREENS trial | Careful scheduling of the trial between researcher and family, such that the 2-week restriction in screen time is possible |
Installation of screen time monitors on household devices | Installation of software or hardware on the screen-based devices in the household, including televisions, computers and portable devices (smartphones and tablets) |
Encouraging the family to plan for 2-week screen time break | The family will fill out a form where they note potential challenges and solutions to challenges during a 2-week screen time break |
Handing over portable screen-based media devices | At least one participating adult and all participating children must hand over their portable screen-based devices (smartphones and tablets) |
Restrictions on leisure entertainment-based screen time | Family members must limit their entertainment-based screen time during leisure hours to ≤3 h/week/person |
Allowing for some necessary screen time | Adults are allowed no more than 30 min per day of necessary screen time, during leisure hours. To the extent that it is necessary, young adults can do their homework with no limit in terms of time. All necessary screen time must be noted. |
Registration of all screen time during experiment phase | The family members must register all screen time, entertainment-based and necessary, during the experiment phase, on paper sheets |
Placing three to five ‘intervention reminders’ in household | One in living room on television(s), one at a computer and one in a place where the family often gathers |
Financial incentive upon completion of the study | Each family receives 500 DKK upon completion of the study |