‘Many parents are worried about the impact of social media on their children’s mental wellbeing, social skills and physical health,’ says Van den Bos, who researches media experience and media literacy among parents and children. ‘And children themselves also say they often spend longer on it than they would like.’

At the same time, Van den Bos sees that parents have a strong need for concrete, applicable solutions to strengthen their children’s resilience and media literacy. ‘In my research, 70 per cent of parents indicate that they would like more help. And they don’t mean a ban.’

In the Startphone, the researchers saw a solution that not only informs and provides guidelines, but also actively guides behaviour and helps children become media literate step by step.

Child progresses step by step

The Startphone is set up in line with the government’s current guidelines for smartphone use, for example around maximum screen time and access to social media, and is based on scientific insights into behaviour.

‘Many parents are not well aware of these guidelines. And even if you are, it can be difficult to apply them in everyday life,’ says Van den Bos. ‘The Startphone, as it were, takes over the phone and only offers apps appropriate to the child’s age.’

To that end, different ‘levels’ have been built in that introduce a child to the digital world step by step. ‘These automatically grow along with the child’s age,’ Van den Bos explains. ‘In the first level, for example, there is only access to Maps and SMS. In the final level, from the age of 15, social media is added too.’

Tailoring and involved parents

The app also offers tailoring. ‘Parents differ widely in what they consider a suitable app for their child. And every child develops differently,’ says Van den Bos. ‘You can therefore adapt the app to your child’s abilities, but always in consultation with your child.’

Every time a child wants to unlock an additional feature or app, this has to be agreed with a parent or carer. ‘It’s more effective not only to impose rules, but above all to talk with your child,’ says Van den Bos. ‘Why does your child want this? What does your child know about privacy and data sharing? The app therefore actively involves parents in digital parenting, to encourage critical thinking about media and content.’

Joint project

The Startphone has been developed in partnership with ODIDO, but is available for all Android smartphones. ‘To develop an app like this, you need a partner who can take care of the technical side. We can’t do that on our own as academics,’ Van den Bos explains.

The researchers set clear conditions for working with this commercial partner. ‘The app had to be released free of charge and be accessible to everyone, regardless of provider. Nor may any user data be stored or shared, and no profit may be made from this product.’

The Startphone was officially launched on 16 June and is available via the Google Play Store for all Android smartphones.