INFORMATION

FOR TEENS

If you’re 14–16 and play videogames—even just a few times a month—you’re invited to be part of a research study called Level Up: Understanding Teens’ Videogame Play. 

We know gaming can be fun, creative, and social. But sometimes it can be tricky to balance with school, friends, or other stuff. That’s why we want to hear from you—about how you play, why you play, and how it fits into your life.

TEEN INFO SHEET

There are two parts to the study. You can choose to complete the surveys, or both the survey and interview. But first we need consent from one parent before we can invite you to take part.

2 Volunteer to take part in an interview 

  • We are also keen to talk to you about your videogaming. You can volunteer at the end of the survey to be contacted for an interview.  

  • 1-hour chat with a researcher (online or in person) scheduled at school during school time.

  • You’ll talk about your gaming —what’s fun, what’s tricky, and how it affects your day-to-day life.

  • The interview is audio-recorded, and you can review your responses afterwards.

1 Online Surveys at School 

  • You will be invited to take part in three surveys at school.  These will ask very similar questions in each survey and will track your responses over time. You will get an invitation to retake the surveys at the beginning of Term 1 and again at the beginning of Term 2, 2026.

  • Each survey takes about 30–35 minutes.

  • You’ll answer questions about your gaming habits, health, and wellbeing.  

QUESTIONS

  • Nope! If you play games three or more times a month, you’re in. That’s most people who game even casually.

  • Yes. You can skip any question that makes you uncomfortable, whether it’s in the survey or the interview. 

  • Absolutely. If you change your mind at any point you can stop.

    In the surveys you can just close your browser. But once submitted your answers can’t be removed because they’re anonymous. 

    In the interview, you can ask for your responses to be deleted within two weeks.

  • No. Your responses are confidential and won’t be shared with your parents, school, or anyone outside the research team. 

  • Only if you choose to do the interview. The interview will be audio-recorded so we can write up your responses. The recording is stored securely and only the research team can access it. It won’t be used for anything else. 

  • You won’t get paid, but your input helps researchers and adults better understand the ways videogaming fits into teen’s lives. Your input will also help us create resources that support healthy gaming for teens. You can also ask for a summary of the study’s findings. 

  • Support is available at any time, regardless of whether you choose to participate or not. You can talk to your 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. 

    You’ll also get reminders about support services after each survey. 

  • Your answers are stored securely and coded so they can’t be linked back to you. Any personal info (like your email) is kept separate and deleted after the study. De-identified data may be used in future research. 

  • Once your parent or caregiver gives consent, you’ll get a link to the survey and can choose which parts of the study you want to join.