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Spectra Discovery

Spectra Discovery is a research study looking to see if wearable devices can measure screen time use in children ages 3 to 8. Your child will wear fake glasses and a shirt clip with light sensors to track light from screens. They will also wear an activity counter around their waist to track movement. During the study, your child will use a study-provided Android tablet, which includes an app to track screen use. The study lasts one week and includes: a baseline survey, daily time-use surveys, device logs at the end of each day, and a follow-up survey. To get started, parents will complete an online baseline survey and schedule an in-person orientation, either at home or at our Chapel Hill office. Families will be compensated for their time, and children will receive a thank-you gift. This study helps us learn if these wearable devices can measure screen use in young children.

Age & Gender

  • 3 years ~ 8 years
  • Male, Female, Gender Inclusive

Visit Availability

  • Standard business hours (M-F, 8-5)
  • Weekend hours, if needed
  • In-home visits available

Location

North Carolina (Statewide)

What will be asked of you

Participation in the Spectra Discovery study lasts one week. Your child will wear three lightweight devices: a pair of fake glasses and a shirt clip, both equipped with light sensors to measure surrounding and screen-related light exposure, and a small waist-worn activity counter to track movement. They'll also use a study-provided Android tablet preloaded with their favorite apps, including an app called Chronicle, which automatically tracks screen time. This helps us evaluate how well the wearable devices measure screen use compared to digital tracking. As a parent, you'll first complete a 25-30-minute online survey about your family and your child's screen habits. Then, you'll meet with a study team member (at home or in our Chapel Hill office) for a one-hour orientation to learn how to use the devices. During the week, you'll help your child wear and charge the devices, encourage tablet use, complete a nightly 20-25-minute time-use diary via text, and log when devices are worn. You'll also briefly monitor an app called Screentime and ensure all devices are charged nightly. At the end of the study, you'll complete a 20-25-minute follow-up survey and return the materials in a brief closing visit. Children will receive a thank-you gift, and families are compensated for their time.

Incentives

Participants can earn up to $100 in Tango online gift cards for completing the study. Your child will also receive thank-you gifts like a Play-Doh set and coloring book, valued at about $32.

In-person visits:
2
Total length of participation:
1 month

Looking for Healthy Volunteers

Requirements for healthy volunteers are different than for those with a specific condition. If you are interested in becoming a healthy volunteer for this study, use the below categories to determine if you are able to participate.

Able to participate:

  • Your child likes to use electronic devices or watch tv

Not eligible if:

  • Child wears prescription glasses/lens
  • Inability to speak and read English

Contact the Team

Visit Location

Contact & Visit Location

Primary Contact

Visit Study Website

Primary Visit Location

UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
1700 MLK Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA

Additional Study Information

Principal Investigator

Erik Willis
Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Study Type

Behavioral or Social
Observational

Study Topics

Behavior
Child and Teen Health
Parents of Children
Wellness and Lifestyle

IRB Number

22-1730

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