PROBTEC Program to Manage Problematic Technology Use in Adolescents

Problematic technology use has increasingly been recognized as a major behavioral health issue among adolescents, contributing to prolonged sedentary behavior, reduced physical activity, and related negative health outcomes. Although many school-based initiatives address lifestyle or digital well-being independently, few interventions incorporate a comprehensive, theory-guided framework. The PROBTEC Management Program was developed to address this gap by integrating principles from the Health Promotion Model (HPM) to promote healthier technology habits and increase physical activity levels among young people.

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the program's effectiveness in a real-world school setting. Ten public middle schools in Türkiye participated in the study, with cluster randomization used to assign schools to either the intervention or control condition. A total of 200 adolescents aged 14-15 years were included. The intervention consisted of a structured six-week curriculum delivered by trained facilitators and included three core components: (1) health education sessions designed to increase awareness of the risks associated with excessive technology use, (2) guided physical activity practices that encouraged students to incorporate movement into their daily routines, and (3) a parental engagement component aimed at strengthening family support for healthy behaviors.

Outcome measurements were collected at four time points: baseline (T0), immediately after the intervention at 1 week (T1), 3 months post-intervention (T2), and 6 months post-intervention (T3). Technology-related behaviors, perceived benefits and barriers to exercise, and physical activity self-efficacy were assessed using validated instruments. Physical activity levels were evaluated using pedometer-based step counts and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Repeated measures statistical analyses were used to examine changes over time, and effect sizes were calculated to estimate the magnitude of intervention effects.

Adolescents who participated in the PROBTEC program showed significant positive changes across all primary outcomes when compared with their peers in the control schools. Reductions in technology addiction scores and perceived exercise barriers were accompanied by increases in perceived benefits of physical activity, self-efficacy for being active, and total MET values. These improvements were evident not only immediately after the intervention but were also maintained throughout the 6-month follow-up period, demonstrating the sustained impact of the program.

Overall, this trial provides evidence that a structured, theory-based, and school-centered intervention can effectively support adolescents in managing digital behaviors while simultaneously promoting physical activity. The PROBTEC Management Program offers a feasible, low-cost, and scalable model that can be integrated into broader school health services. Its combined focus on educational, behavioral, and family-based strategies positions it as a promising approach for addressing the intertwined challenges of technology overuse and physical inactivity in youth populations.

Inclusion criteria

• Adolescents aged 14-15 years
• Volunteering to participate in the study
• Reporting more than two hours of daily screen time
• Able to complete assessments at all required time points

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosed mental disabilities
• Diagnosed physical disabilities
• Presence of chronic illnesses
• Any condition that prevents participation in the intervention or assessments