Software designed to aid adolescents in overcoming internet compulsion
The Villa Schöpflin Foundation, a centre for addiction prevention, has developed a new app called 'Freii' to help children and young people aged 11 to 15 manage their time spent on digital platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The app, which is free for users, is funded by the Schöpflin and Beisheim foundations.
The app was presented at a Berlin school on Wednesday and is set to launch its beta version publicly on September 22. The beta version, funded by the Federal Ministry of Health, will be fully functional, with developers able to make any necessary adjustments.
'Freii' aims to help users identify risks associated with excessive screen time, such as poor leisure time structure, and teaches strategies to protect teens from such issues. The app is not intended to demonize digital media but to balance media use, screen time, and leisure time.
The app's 21-day challenge guides users through a program with daily videos, quizzes, and challenges. Four young people lead users through the program, providing relatable advice and support. Parents are also encouraged to participate, with tasks designed for both individual and shared completion.
Comedian and physician Eckart von Hirschhausen supports the project, providing explanatory videos for parents to help them understand the app's purpose and benefits. The developers of 'Freii' also plan to train staff nationwide in a two-day workshop to facilitate the program in schools.
According to an OECD study, German teens spend an average of 48 hours weekly on digital devices, nearly seven hours daily. With the launch of 'Freii', the foundation hopes to encourage healthier digital habits among young people and promote open family communication about digital media use.
The app is designed for both school and individual use, making it accessible to a wide audience. As the digital world continues to evolve, 'Freii' provides a valuable resource for parents and young people alike, promoting mindful digital media habits and balanced screen time.
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