Frequently Asked Questions
We know handing your child their first phone comes with a lot of questions. Here are honest answers to what parents ask most.
Still unsure about something? Email us anytime at adolescentsocialmedia@georgetown.edu.
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What counts as social media in this study?
What counts as social media in this study?
Any electronic platform, app, or website that lets people build online communities and share information, ideas, messages, or other content.
What are the two groups in the study?
What are the two groups in the study?
If you take part, your child is randomly placed in one of two groups:
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
No study-specific limits on social media. You still decide what your child can access.
Restricted
Restricted
Parental controls block social media access. This group lasts only 3 months.
Which platforms are blocked in the restricted group?
Which platforms are blocked in the restricted group?
The current list is below. It can change as platforms and usage trends shift:
Facebook · Instagram · Snapchat · Twitch · Discord · Twitter/X · YouTube · Pinterest · BeReal · Reddit · TikTok
Can I choose which group my child is in?
Can I choose which group my child is in?
No. Random placement is a core part of the study, so your child has a 50% chance of either group. It’s the only way the results can answer the question fairly.
If my child is in the unrestricted group, do they have to use social media?
If my child is in the unrestricted group, do they have to use social media?
No. You’re always in control of what your child can access. Most parents who enroll allow some freedom to explore, but it’s never required.
Will I see my child's mental-health data?
Will I see my child's mental-health data?
No. We only ever report results in combined, anonymized form — never tied to your child. To hear when findings are published, you can sign up for our newsletter.
How long does the study take?
How long does the study take?
Six months of data collection is the main part. Onboarding adds a few days to a few weeks, depending on how quickly you’re able to complete the setup steps. In total, we only expect you to spend about 4-6 hours on study activities (answering surveys and attending meetings) across the 6 months.
What's involved, and how much does each step pay?
What's involved, and how much does each step pay?
Do you provide the smartphone?
Do you provide the smartphone?
Yes. Every family in the study receives a choice of an iPhone, an Android phone, or a smartwatch for their child, and it's yours to keep if you successfully complete the study. We set it up with you, including the study software and any parental controls for your group.
Are there other other incentives?
Are there other other incentives?
Yes. Families who complete all study activities are entered into two prize drawings:
1 in 50: Beats Studio Pro Headphones (or similar)
1 in 50: Beats Studio Pro Headphones (or similar)
Estimated value $350. Drawn for every 50 participants who finish the study.
Estimated value $350. Drawn for every 50 participants who finish the study.
1 in 500: 55″ Samsung Picture Frame TV
1 in 500: 55″ Samsung Picture Frame TV
Estimated value $1,100. Drawn at the end of the study (estimated 2028).
When is the best time to enroll?
When is the best time to enroll?
The time to enroll is whenever you decide to allow your child (10-14) to have their first smartphone. If you have questions, please reach out to us via email us at adolescentsocialmedia@georgetown.edu, and we will help you plan your enrollment.
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