Assistive Technology Aimed at Adolescents for Overcoming Digital Dependence
The much-anticipated beta version of the Freii app, designed to help teenagers and their parents navigate the digital landscape, will be publicly available from September 22. Funded by the Schöpflin Foundation and the Beisheim Foundation, the app is free for users.
Developed by experts from Villa Schöpflin, a centre for addiction prevention, the Freii app aims to balance media use, screen time, and leisure time. The app is not aimed at schools or undergoing a scientific evaluation at this stage, but it does offer clear rules and open communication within the family as solutions to manage screen time.
Every day, young users receive short tasks that can be solved together with their parents. These tasks, which take between three and four minutes, are accompanied by videos, quiz questions, and challenges from four unnamed young people. The app is designed for children and young people aged 11 to 15.
The Freii app is a tool for school implementation, with trained specialists to accompany the program. The developers aim to help young people and their parents recognise risk factors such as a lack of leisure structure and protect them from excessive screen time.
The app was scientifically accompanied, and its effectiveness was evaluated in a study funded by the Federal Ministry of Health. Comedian and doctor Eckart von Hirschhausen supports the project.
It's important to note that the beta version of the Freii app will still be under development for potential adjustments. However, in its current state, it is fully usable, and programmers can still fine-tune it in case of errors or similar issues.
In addition to the app, there are also short explanatory videos for parents. The Freii app is a free resource for families looking to foster a conscious approach to digital media like TikTok or Instagram.
The study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reveals that German teenagers spend an average of 48 hours a week on digital applications, which is almost seven hours a day. With the Freii app, families can take a step towards managing screen time effectively.
The offer of Freii is also aimed at schools, with plans to train specialists nationwide in a two-day training course to accompany the implementation of the program. As the digital world continues to evolve, the Freii app provides a valuable resource for families and schools alike.
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