freii

Development & Evaluation

Scientific support is provided by the Grüsser Sinopoli Outpatient Clinic for Gambling Addiction, Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.
The freii project was scientifically monitored in the first half of 2024 as part of a feasibility study. The principles of formative evaluation were followed. In contrast to summative evaluation, this is not so much about effectiveness as it is about improving a measure.
The evaluation focused on the feasibility of the project and its acceptance among the target groups in order to generate suggestions for optimisation and further development in a final report based on the results. A mixed-methods design was used for this purpose, combining qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys. 
Following further development, an impact study was launched in spring 2025. The focus here is on summative evaluation, which serves to assess the effectiveness of an intervention. After the evaluation, it should be possible to make differentiated statements about the effects of the programme. 
In order to gain as much insight as possible into the effects, a pre/post survey will be conducted in the intervention group. This will allow, for example, changes in knowledge or communication within the family to be measured objectively. 
The impact study is funded by the Federal Ministry of Health for this period.
 

Objectives & taget groups

freii is a programme for the prevention of internet usage disorders and is aimed at children and young people aged 11 to 15, as well as their parents and other guardians.
 

freii...

• ...motivates children and young people to use media autonomously and spend their free time in a balanced way through individual and joint challenges.
• ...conveys knowledge to families in an entertaining and understandable way.
• ...builds mutual trust through targeted communication about media use within the family. This helps to prevent unnecessary discussions about media use.
• ...explains risk and protective factors with regard to INS.
• ...refers to the regional support system.
   

Implementation

One of freii's goals is to convey scientifically sound prevention messages on avoiding internet usage disorders in an entertaining and understandable way. Complex concepts are illustrated in simple explanatory clips featuring Eckart von Hirschhausen.

freii promotes balanced media use in families and thus contributes significantly to the prevention of internet usage disorders. Interaction with freii is mainly limited to leisure time. In addition, a module has been developed for schools to deal with the topic of preventing internet usage disorders in greater depth. Within the framework of this module, key messages from freii can be conveyed even if pupils do not participate in the 21-day programme. Schools are an important place for implementing preventive measures.
 

freii has its own website. Click here!