Screens and strategies: Testing interventions for adolescents‘ digital self-regulation competence

Self-regulation in mobile device use is an important challenge for adolescents. This preregistered study tested whether two brief trainings–implementation intentions and positive reappraisal–enhance digital self-regulation in a sample of German adolescents ( N = 258) compared to an information-only and a no-intervention control group. Across groups, no consistent changes emerged in screen time, frustration with mobile device use, tendency towards mobile device addiction or digital maturity. Implementation intentions were associated with a small increase in satisfaction with mobile device use two weeks post-training, but this effect did not translate into broader behavioral outcomes. These findings provide little support for the effectiveness of the tested trainings for digital self-regulation competence, suggesting that more intensive or combined interventions may be necessary. • Preregistered field study tested digital self-regulation in 258 adolescents • Brief trainings did not increase digital self-regulation competence • Tested self-regulation strategies did not lead to changes in adolescent screen time • Implementation intentions slightly increased satisfaction with mobile device use • Findings suggest more intensive or combined interventions are required