Legal guardian information sheet
How a minimalist phone can help your child to improve his relationship with technology?
Thank you for joining this innovative study, we really appreciate it. In the following
lines you will find some more information about it, but please feel free to contact us if
you have any further questions.
1. The project
Balance Phone is conducting a research project to study the potential benefits of using a minimalist phone compared to a regular smartphone, with the academic advice of Dr. Mar Borràs (Manchester Metropolitan University).
We believe that many smartphones are intentionally designed to foster addictive behaviours. This study explores what happens when all addictive apps and websites are removed.
To carry out this research, we are providing 50 Balance Phones free of charge to participating families in the UK. This is an opportunity to see how a minimalist phone can help your child stay connected, while promoting a healthier and safer relationship with technology.
2. Who will take part in the research?
Both the family and the child need to agree to participate in the study. Therefore, we are
inviting young people in Year 6 or Year 7 and their carers across the UK to take part in this
study.
Participation is entirely voluntary. Both you and your child can decide whether or not to take part. If you agree, we will ask you to sign a consent form, and your child will also be asked to give their own consent on a separate form.
You and your child may withdraw from the study at any point, without giving a reason. If you withdraw before the study ends, the Balance Phone must be returned. If your childcompletes the study satisfactorily, you may keep the Balance Phone permanently.
4.What will we be asked to do?
If you agree to participate, your child will receive a Balance Phone to use during the study. The study will take place in three stages. At each stage, both you and your child will be asked—separately but under your supervision—to complete a short questionnaire about family connection and focus, school performance, sleep quality, screen habits, emotional wellbeing, and leisure time.
Stage 1 (Beginning): Initial questions before using the phone.
Stage 2 (Middle): Mid-point evaluation.
Stage 3 (End): Final questions after the study.
5. Are there any risks if I participate?
We do not anticipate any risks from taking part in this study. Balance Phone is designed to be safe and simple. However, we cannot take responsibility if the device is misused, for example, by attempting to hack or alter its system.
6. What are the benefits of participating?
You will receive a Balance Phone free of charge if the study is completed satisfactorily. You and your child will contribute to an important research project that promotes healthier technology use among young people. Participation also supports the wider movement that challenges the negative effects of big tech on society.
7. What will happen with the data I provide?
All data will be stored securely in a password-protected Balance Phone server. Consent forms will also be stored securely. Any hard copies will be destroyed. We will not monitor or control how your child uses the phone. The only information we receive will come from the questionnaires. Only the Balance Phone research team will have access to the data.
8.What will happen to the results?
The results will be analysed and published in academic and professional contexts, but no identifying information about you or your child will ever be shared. All findings will remain fully anonymous
9. Who do I contact if I have concerns about this study or I wish to complain?
In case of any question or concerns you can always reach out the following point of contact:
Email: josema@thebalancephone.com
Dr. Mar Borrás, Manchester Metropolitan University
Email: margarina.borras-batalla@stu.mmu.ac.uk
THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING PARTICIPATIN IN THIS PROJECT.
NOW YOU WILL HAVE TO SING A CONSENT FORM.
