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Young Participant Information Sheet

How a minimalist phone can help you to improve your relationship with technology

1. The project

Many smartphones are designed to be addictive, and we are very concerned about it. That's why we want your help, to investigate how you feel using a smartphone free of distractions.

You will still have access to all the important apps like email, whatsapp, maps and everything you really need. We want to hear your view on this important issue, so we have decided to give away 50 Balance Phones free of charge.

Balance Phone is carrying out a research project to study the potential benefits of using a minimalist phone compared to a regular smartphone, with the academic advice of Mar Borràs (Manchester Metropolitan University).

This study explores what happens when all addictive apps and websites are removed.

2. Who will take part in the research?

We are inviting you and your family to agree to participate in the study. Your parents need to agree first, but we also would like to make sure you understand what it means to participate.

3. Do I have to take part?

It is your choice to take part. You can decide with your parent or guardian if you want to join. You can stop participating at any time. If you stop before the study ends, the Balance Phone must be returned. If you complete the study, you get to keep the phone.

4. What will I be asked to do?

If you take part, you will receive a Balance Phone to use during the study. The study has three stages, and at each stage you will be asked to answer short questions about your experience using the Balance Phone. But don´t worry, it wont take a lot of your time and they will be very easy. Remember that there are not right or wrong answers, we are genuinely interested on your views and opinions.

We will send you three questionnaires: one at the beginning of the study, another one in the middle and a final one at the end to gather your feedback.

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? We do not expect any risks from taking part. The Balance Phone is designed to be safe and simple. However, we cannot take responsibility if someone misuses the phone, for example, by trying to hack or alter it.

6. What are the benefits of participating?

You will get a Balance Phone for free if the study is completed. You will also help with research that looks at how young people can use technology in a healthier way. Taking part also supports a movement against the negative effects of big tech on society.

7. What will happen with the data I provide?

All answers will be stored safely on a secure Balance Phone server. Only the Balance Phone research team can access the data. We will not control how you use the phone, only your using time. Apart from that, we only gather information that comes from the questionnaires you fill in.

8. What will happen to the results?

The results will be published in academic or professional reports, but no information that could identify you will be shared. All results will remain anonymous.

9. Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns?

In case of any question or concerns you can always reach out the following point of contact or by asking your parents to do so:

Research coordination José Manuel Cruz Email: josema@thabalancephone.com

Academic advisor Dr. Mar Borrás, Manchester Metropolitan University Email: margarina.borras-batalla@stu.mmu.ac.uk

THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING PARTICIPATING IN THIS PROYECT.

NOW YOU WILL HAVE TO SING THE ASSENT FORM.