Your experience.Your choice.

You are not being tested. You are helping researchers understand digital life and growing up. You can ask questions, decide what feels right and change your mind.

Information for young people

MyPhone/MyBrain is a research project about phones, digital life, brains and growing up. We want to understand how different young people use technology and how this links with learning, attention and wellbeing.

Taking part is your choice. We will explain the study before you decide. You can say no, ask questions or stop at any time. You can choose whether to share your screen time: from 16 you decide for yourself; if you are younger, your parent or carer says yes first.

Simple silhouettes of young people considering their choices about taking part

MyPhone

  • You can choose to send screenshots of your phone's Screen Time page. They show which apps you use and for how long.
  • They don't show your messages, photos or what you watch, and you can cover up anything first. You can say no.
  • You may complete short surveys about technology, digital habits and wellbeing.
  • You never have to share anything that makes you uncomfortable.

MyBrain

  • You will take part in a science workshop at school.
  • You may wear a lightweight EEG headset, which records activity from the surface of your head.
  • You may sit quietly for a short time and complete simple computer tasks.
  • Researchers will help you with the equipment.
  • EEG does not hurt. It does not put anything into your brain. It cannot read your thoughts.

What we promise

  • We will explain what we are asking you to do.
  • We will use data only for approved research.
  • We will protect your privacy.
  • We will not use the study to judge you.
  • We will not give your personal data to teachers, classmates or social media companies.
  • We will share what we learn fairly and respectfully.

What next?

Want to share your screen time?

16 or over? You can do it on your own. Under 16? Do it with your parent or carer: they say yes first, then you decide. It takes about five minutes, so do it as soon as you can.

Share your screen time  → Your parent or carer has done their part? Finish with their reference  →

Got a question?

Read the questions other young people ask, ask your teacher, or ask the researchers when they visit your school.

Questions from young people  → What happens at the session  →

Don’t want to take part?

That’s fine. You don’t need to fill anything in, and on the day you can say no to any part. Nobody will mind, and it won’t change anything at school.

If anything in the study worries or upsets you, talk to an adult you trust at home or at school, or call Childline free, any time, on 0800 1111.