Improving Digital Wellbeing in Saudi Adolescents: Cluster-randomized Trial

Background: In Saudi Arabia, the rapid expansion of digital technology use-particularly among adolescents-has raised growing concerns about internet addiction and its impact on mental health and overall wellbeing. Building on formative work including national surveys, stakeholder interviews, and pilot testing, there is now a pressing need to rigorously evaluate interventions that can promote healthy digital habits among youth.

Study aims/objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based digital wellbeing intervention, with and without a supplemental parent engagement component, using a cluster randomized controlled trial design. The primary objective is to determine whether exposure to the student curriculum alone or in combination with a parent-focused intervention improves digital literacy, technology use behaviors, and psychosocial wellbeing among high school students. Secondary objectives include assessing changes in parent-child communication and parental attitudes toward digital media use.

Methods: Twenty (20) high schools across Qassim and Riyadh regions in Saudi Arabia will be randomly assigned to one of two study arms: (1) treatment as usual (TAU) will receive the Ministry of Education (MOE) Digital Wellbeing Unit that is implemented in 12th grad as part of the Digital Citizenship Curriculum and a brief self-paced online teacher training, or (2) enhanced treatment including the MOE Digital Wellbeing Unit plus a WhatsApp-based intervention for parents and a brief self-paced online teacher training. Approximately 125 students per school (~2,500 total) will complete surveys before and after the intervention period, assessing digital media habits, wellbeing, and communication patterns. Parent surveys will be administered in the enhanced arm to assess intervention engagement and parenting practices. Surveys with teachers will assess motivation and self-efficacy in delivering the digital wellbeing unit and fidelity of delivery.

Results: The study will generate evidence on the efficacy of school- and family-based strategies for improving adolescent digital wellbeing in the Saudi context. It will also provide insight into mechanisms of change, including the role of parental involvement in shaping adolescent digital habits.

Conclusion: Findings from this cluster randomized trial will inform national digital wellbeing policy and practice, offering a scalable model for youth-targeted behavioral health interventions in Saudi Arabia and similar settings.