Heavy screen use has been linked to poorer self-esteem, self-concept (how teens see themselves) and body image, largely because of social comparison on digital platforms. This study asked whether a programme built together with the local community could improve those three things.
The researchers worked in Bellpuig, a rural municipality in Catalonia, Spain. They studied adolescents aged twelve to sixteen at one local institute. The summary we had does not state how many teens took part.
Self-esteem, self-concept and body image all moved up
The programme was "co-created", meaning teens, families, teachers, healthcare professionals and local community members all helped design it. It included educational and participatory activities on digital balance, self-esteem, self-concept and positive body image.
Teens completed validated questionnaires before and after the programme. The authors report a moderate improvement in positive body image, self-esteem and self-concept. Their conclusion is that a community co-created programme can be an effective strategy for improving positive body image and self-esteem.
Girls and boys gained similarly, but boys started higher
The programme's effect did not differ notably between girls and boys. However, before the programme began, boys had higher self-esteem and body image scores than girls. So the programme did not appear to close that gap. Both groups improved by a similar amount.
The catch: no comparison group, and no long-term check
This was a single-group study. Teens were measured before and after, but there was no separate group of teens who did not receive the programme. That means we cannot be sure the programme itself caused the improvements, rather than something else happening over the same period.
The summary also does not say whether teens' actual screen time fell. It reports changes in self-perception, not in hours online. The authors say future research should look at long-term effects and at how the approach works in different populations.
The study covered one rural Spanish area only. It did not look at Singapore or other Asian settings, so we cannot say how a similar programme would work in an urban, school-heavy setting like ours.
Small steps this study points towards
The study did not test home rules directly, so these ideas are cautious applications of what the programme did.
- The programme was designed with teens, not just for them. Invite your teen to help shape your family's screen-use agreements.
- Gains appeared when screen balance was paired with work on self-esteem and body image. Look for school or community activities that cover both.
- Girls started with lower self-esteem and body image scores than boys. Notice how your daughter feels about herself, not just how long she is online.