Information for
sCHools + Educators
The study will identify links between screen use relating to videogaming and the effects on teens’ health, wellbeing, cognition, social skills and learning.
The project is supported by the NSW Department of Education Screen Use and Addiction Research Fund, and led by researchers from the University of Wollongong, Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, and University of Victoria (Canada). We are seeking high schools in NSW to be involved in this study of videogame play of Year 9 and 10 students.
If your school is interested in being involved, there are two parts to the study.
1 complete 3 Surveys at School
Students will be invited to take part in three surveys at school over a three-month period. These will ask very similar questions in each survey and will track student responses over time. Students will receive an invitation to retake the surveys after 1 and 3 months from the first survey.
Each survey takes about 30–35 minutes.
Students will answer questions about their gaming habits, health, and wellbeing.
2 students volunteer to take part in an interview
We are also keen to talk to teens about their videogaming. Students can volunteer at the end of the survey to be contacted for an interview.
A 1-hour chat with a researcher (online or in person) scheduled at school during school time.
They’ll talk about their gaming experiences—what’s fun, what’s tricky, and how it affects their day-to-day life.
The interview is audio-recorded, and you can review your responses afterwards.
QUESTIONS
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The NSW Department of Education has supported this research as it investigates the effects on students of problematic and addictive screen use outside of school hours.
The study will ask students about their videogame play as well as a range of other factors including their preparedness for learning, sleep, physical activity, and mental health. These are all factors that may shape students’ learning and engagement at school.
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No. Responses are confidential and won’t be shared with parents, schools, or anyone outside the research team.
A summary of the study findings will be made available to the school.
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The only time a students will be recorded is if they choose to take part in the interview. The interview will be audio-recorded so we can write up their responses. The recording is stored securely and only the research team can access it. It won’t be used for anything else.
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It is expected that this research project will not benefit you or your child directly. However, this study will likely increase our understanding of healthy versus unhealthy videogame play in teens, which may benefit teens who play videogames in the future.
The outcomes of this research will inform the development of educational resources for parents, teachers, and teens to promote healthy gaming behaviours. These resources will be of direct benefit to teens and their families.
You (and your child) can also ask for a summary of the study’s findings.
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The research team will work with each school to ensure appropriate supports are in place when the students take part in each survey and interview.
Support is available at any time, regardless of whether the student chooses to participate or not. They can talk to the school counsellor, or reach out to services like:
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
Lifeline – 13 11 14 (text support also available)
Participants in the study will also have access to QUT Psychology & Counselling Clinic.
Students will also get reminders about support services after each survey.
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We need schools to help us reach our target audience and recruit participants. We also need schools to help us conduct the 3 surveys and the interviews onsite during school time. We will also need a staff member to help contact parents so we can get informed consent. We do have some options for relief for schools that participate. Contact us for more information- scaouette@uow.edu.au
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We are looking for government secondary schools in NSW to be involved.
Please contact our project manager, Sarah, at scaouette@uow.edu.au to express your interest.