Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in the study?

Parents and their child aged 12-15 years located anywhere in Australia. Both parents and their child must own or have exclusive use of a mobile phone.

How many surveys are there to complete?

Adolescents are asked to complete three follow-up surveys at 6-, 12, and 24-months. Adolescents will receive a $20 e-gift card upon completion of each survey at all three timepoints. Parents are asked to complete one follow up survey at 6-months and will receive a $20 e-gift card upon completion of the survey.

Will the information I provide during the study be shared with anyone else?

Any information provided, including the survey responses, will be treated as strictly confidential and will not be provided to adolescents or parents (respectively) or any other party. Any identifying information, such as your name, will not be associated with any of your data – we will use unique codes instead.   

How will I find out which study group I am allocated to?

All study participants will be randomly allocated into one of the groups (similar to drawing out of a hat). You and your child will both receive text messages informing you which group you were allocated to in approximately 4-weeks after signing up for the study.

How often will I receive the text-messages? 

If you are allocated to one of the groups that receives text-messages, you will receive one text-message per week for 12 weeks.  

What phone number are the text messages sent from?

The text messages will be sent from a number that is displayed as “UONstudy”. You will not be able to reply to the text messages. If you have any questions, you can send us an email (ECPT@newcastle.edu.au).

How and when will I receive my e-gift card?

You will receive an e-gift card on the completion of a follow-up survey (at 6-, 12- and 24-months for adolescents and at 6-months for parents). You must complete the whole survey to be eligible for the voucher. Vouchers will be sent from a third-party provider called "GiftPay". The number will be displayed as "GiftPay". Your e-gift card will look something like this.

Can I withdraw from the study?

You may withdraw yourself and your child from the study at any time by contacting Dr Courtney Barnes (ECPT@newcastle.edu.au). Your child can also withdraw at any time by letting the researchers know they no longer want to continue.   Your decision not to participate or to withdraw from the study will not affect your relationship with the University of Newcastle or any of the other organisations involved in this research.