Insights from the evaluation of the Screen-Free Time with Friends Feasibility Trial

Aim: Children’s face-to-face time with friends during leisure has decreased, while screen time has increased. This may have adverse effects on their physical and mental health. The study evaluated the feasibility of the Screen-Free Time with Friends intervention which aimed to reduce recreational screen media use and promote face-to-face time with friends among 9–11-year-old children. Subject and methods: A non-randomized, single group trial was conducted June 2022 to November 2023. The multicomponent intervention targeting families, afterschool clubs and local communities was designed to enable adaptation to the needs of diverse local communities, while maintaining the fundamental components of the intervention. The feasibility of the intervention was evaluated through process evaluation inspired by the RE-AIM framework, including both qualitative and quantitative measurements. Results: The study included 74 children aged 10.1 (9.7; 10.6) years, 92 parents, and 39 local stakeholders from three school districts from three municipalities in Denmark. The results show that some schools and local communities were unable to complete the intervention components because of a lack of time or prioritization. Nevertheless, one aspect of the intervention—targeted afterschool clubs—was successfully implemented across all areas, and there was an expressed willingness to continue the initiative. In addition, it was found that when recruiting participants for the study, it is essential to ensure that all stakeholders involved are motivated. Conclusion: The intervention was perceived as meaningful and holding the potential to create changes, despite not meeting the feasibility criteria. The intervention appears to have significant potential when the recommended adjustments are implemented. ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT05480085. Registered 29 July 2022.