NOMO app and teenage social media use: a randomised controlled trial in England and Wales
This study is investigating if a smartphone app called NOMO can help teenagers in England and Wales reduce their social media use. The app encourages young people to spend less time on their phones through group activities, challenges, and rewards. Researchers believe that reducing social media time might improve a young person's learning, happiness, and sleep. The study will compare schools using the app with schools not using it to see if there are any positive changes. Pupils in Year 9 and Year 10 are invited to take part by using the app and completing short, anonymous surveys about their social media habits, how focused they feel, how happy they are, and how well they sleep.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is trying to understand if a special smartphone app, called NOMO, can help teenagers in UK secondary schools use social media less. Many people are talking about how much time young people spend online, and there's a thought that too much social media might affect schoolwork, how happy teens feel, and even their sleep patterns. The NOMO app is designed to help with this by offering fun activities, group challenges, and rewards to encourage less phone use.
The idea is to see if schools where pupils use the NOMO app show different results compared to schools where pupils don't use it. Researchers will be looking to see if pupils using the app spend less time on social media, feel less distracted, are happier with their lives, and sleep better. It’s an interesting way to see if technology can actually help us manage our use of other technology!
This research is important because if the NOMO app works well, it could offer a new way to support young people in finding a healthy balance with their social media use. This could potentially help them feel better all round, both in school and in their daily lives.
Key takeaways
- Tests a smartphone app called NOMO to help teens use less social media.
- Aims to improve focus, happiness, and sleep in Year 9 and 10 pupils.
- Compares app users vs. non-app users in UK secondary schools.
- Participation involves using the app and completing anonymous surveys.
- Study runs from November 2025 to March 2026.
- All information shared will be kept private and anonymous.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be a pupil in Year 9 or Year 10 at a secondary school in the UK that has chosen to be part of the study.
Unfortunately, if you are not in Year 9 or 10, or your school isn't involved, you won't be able to participate directly in the app part of the study. Also, if a parent or guardian decides they don't want you to take part, then you won't be included.
The study is open to both boys and girls, and pupils are usually between 12 and 16 years old.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Am I currently in Year 9 or Year 10?
- Is my secondary school participating in this study?
- Do my parents/guardians agree for me to take part?
- Am I comfortable completing anonymous surveys about my phone use and wellbeing?
What does participation involve?
If your school is chosen to use the app, you'll be invited to download NOMO and get involved in its challenges. This will happen between November 2025 and March 2026. Before starting and after the app period finishes, all pupils taking part will complete quick, anonymous surveys. These surveys will ask about things like how much time you spend on social media, if you feel distracted, how happy you are with your life, and how well you're sleeping. Some pupils, teachers, and parents might also be asked if they'd like to do voluntary interviews or extra surveys to share more about their experiences. Overall, the main part of the study involving the app and surveys will run for about five months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (51)
- Chessington SchoolCity onlySurrey, England
- Seven Kings SchoolApproximateIlford, England
- The Academy, SelseyApproximateChichester, England
- Laurel Park SchoolApproximateLondon, England
- Ribston Hall High SchoolApproximateGloucester, England
- Barking Abbey School, a Specialist Sports and Humanities CollegeCity onlyBarking, England
- Reach Academy FelthamApproximateFeltham, England
- Towers School and Sixth Form CentreApproximateAshford, England
- Ebbw Fawr Learning CommunityCity onlyBlaenau Gwent, Wales
- Chetwynde SchoolApproximateBarrow-in-furness, England
- Brookvale Groby Learning CampusUnverifiedLeicester, England
- Marriotts SchoolUnverifiedStevenage, England
Common questions
What is the NOMO app?
The NOMO app is a smartphone application designed to help teenagers reduce their social media use through challenges, peer support, and rewards.
When does the study start and finish?
The study starts in November 2025 and is expected to finish in March 2026.
Will my parents know if I'm taking part?
Your parents or guardians have to agree for you to take part, and they can also choose to withdraw you from the study if they wish.
Will my answers be kept private?
Yes, all your survey answers will be kept anonymous, meaning no one will know what you specifically said.
Who is running this study?
The study is being run by the Behavioural Insights Team in the UK and funded by the National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts (UK).
How to find out more
Callum O'Mahony
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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