UNC Chapel Hill Research Study:

Children & Screen Time

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ABA Superhero talking with a kid on his Ipad

Does Your Child Have a Hard Time Putting the Tablet Away?

Transitions away from screens can sometimes be challenging for young children.

Researchers at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are conducting a paid research study to better understand how young children respond when it is time to stop using tablets, phones, and other devices.

CompleatKiDZ is helping share this research opportunity with families who may be interested in participating.

Who Can Participate?

Your family may be eligible if:

  • Your child is 4 or 5 years old
  • Your child regularly uses a tablet, phone, or other devices
  • Your child sometimes has a hard time stopping device use
  • A parent or caregiver is available to participate alongside the child

Interested in Participating?

Families interested in the study can complete a short screening survey. The UNC research team will then contact you with additional information and determine whether your family is eligible.

Study Contact

Madison Gesualdo
mges@unc.edu
919-537-9351
Text or call

What Does the Study Involve?

One Visit to UNC Chapel Hill

Families will attend one research visit lasting approximately 40–55 minutes.

During the visit:

  • Your child will play with their own device
  • You will complete a short survey
  • The research session will be video recorded

Seven Days of Short Phone Surveys

After the lab visit, participating parents or caregivers will complete:

  • 3 quick surveys each day
  • Approximately 3–5 minutes per survey
  • Questions about your child’s daily mood and experiences surrounding device use

There are no additional lab visits required.

Families Can Earn Up to $100

Families can receive up to a $100 gift card for completing the study.

Compensation includes:

  • $50 for the UNC Chapel Hill lab visit
  • $35 for completing the daily surveys
  • $15 completion bonus

Compensation is prorated if a family chooses to withdraw before completing the study.

Free Parking

Free parking is available for participating families at Finley Clinic.

happy family spending time together while the kids are playing on tablets

About the UNC Chapel Hill DRIP Lab

The study is being conducted by the Developmental Research in Irritability and Psychopathology Lab (DRIP Lab) within UNC Chapel Hill’s Department of Psychology and Neuroscience.

The DRIP Lab studies the development of irritability and related mental health conditions from early childhood through adolescence. Its researchers use developmental and longitudinal research methods to better understand children’s emotions, behavior, and development.

Learn More About the UNC DRIP Lab

Important Research Information

  • This study has been approved by the UNC Chapel Hill Institutional Review Board (IRB), Protocol #26-1445.
  • Participation is completely voluntary. Families may choose to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty.
  • For questions regarding your rights as a research participant, please contact the UNC Chapel Hill IRB.