More than 90 percent of 13-year-olds are active on social media, and 15-year-olds spend an average of more than seven hours per day in front of a screen. Digital media are now an integral part of adolescents’ everyday lives. However, managing them responsibly often poses challenges for families: estimates suggest that around three million children and adolescents in Germany already show risky media use. With »freii«, our affiliated institution Villa Schöpflin has developed a nationwide unique media prevention program, which was recently presented at a press conference in Berlin. freii is aimed at children and adolescents aged 11 to 15, as well as their parents, and supports families in using digital media in a balanced and conscious way. The program, delivered through an app, has been externally evaluated, tested in schools nationwide, and is now available as a free beta version. In an interview, Daniel Ott, project manager of freii and deputy director of Villa Schöpflin, provides insights into the development, process, and special features of the program.

What is freii, and what is the idea behind the app?

freii is a family-oriented program that promotes mindful and balanced use of digital media. Its goal is not to demonize digital media – on the contrary: freii helps families develop a reflective and mindful approach to them.

At the heart of the program is the free app: a 21-day program for adolescents aged 11 to 15 and their parents or guardians. The adolescents are guided by four selected mentors through videos, quizzes, and daily challenges, most of which are completed offline. Parents have their own section with informational texts, tips, and video explanations, moderated by Eckart von Hirschhausen. Both adolescents and parents work on the same topics – sometimes individually, sometimes together in family challenges. The program thus specifically promotes exchange and communication, provides ideas for shared activities, and strengthens conscious media use in the long term.

freii also offers ongoing support for families, for example through content on its dedicated YouTube Channel, which addresses current topics and provides further guidance.

What prompted the development of the freii app? Where does Villa Schöpflin see the need for such a program?

Villa Schöpflin has observed in consultations and workshops over many years that risky or pathological media use can lead to significant family tensions: fewer conversations, irritability, and conflicts when devices are turned off. Various studies also show that internet use disorders can significantly affect academic performance, health, mental well-being, and family life.

Many existing prevention programs, however, only address specific issues, such as cyberbullying or gaming, and are often aimed solely at younger children or only at parents. This gave rise to the idea of freii: a low-threshold, scientifically grounded, software-based program that meets adolescents and their parents where digital media have already become a central part of everyday life – at home and at school.

The freii app is the first software-based program developed by Villa Schöpflin. How was the development process carried out, and what input did external partners such as Mainz University Hospital or addiction support organizations provide?

We first conducted a comprehensive literature review and needs analysis. Then we met with an interdisciplinary team of experts from science, practice, UX design and programming in Berlin. Our goal was to develop freii in a participatory manner, incorporating as many perspectives as possible. Therefore, we also involved teachers, parents, and students.

In workshops following the Google Design Sprint method, we defined goals and methodological priorities. freii was developed based on this framework. The detailed development of the program and the app was carried out by Villa Schöpflin, with external partners providing advisory support. Technical implementation was done by »The Cookie Labs« in Munich, and the corporate design was created by the studio »Peter Post X Petra Esveld«.

The name »freii« also emerged from the workshops and stands for »Free Spaces Outside the Internet« and »Free from Family Conflicts at Home«. The double »i« symbolizes collaboration between adolescents and parents on an equal footing.

In 2024, we conducted a feasibility study at eight schools with 27 classes in total, with very positive results. In 2025, a follow-up effectiveness study funded by the Federal Ministry of Health was conducted with nearly 3,000 adolescents and parents in 134 school classes across eleven federal states.

What challenges arose during the development of freii, and how were they addressed?

One of the biggest challenges was addressing the very different target groups – adolescents and parents – equally. We addressed this by developing separate program sections for parents and adolescents, which were aligned in content.

Another challenge was technical implementation and data security. freii deliberately does not store personal data such as email addresses or phone numbers. This created a completely anonymous offering while also gaining the trust of families.

What happens in the app, and how long does the program last?

The program lasts a total of 21 days. Daily usage time in the app is three to six minutes for adolescents and about two minutes for parents.

At the start, adolescents select one of four guides who accompany them through the program. Each day begins with a video in which the guides provide tips on media use, share knowledge, and suggest activities. This is followed by a daily challenge, mostly offline. Challenges range from identifying a personal retreat space, setting a fixed phone location for the night, or taking a short self-assessment. Shared activities with friends or classmates are also included.

Guides share their personal experiences through audio messages. Additionally, some days include quizzes to test knowledge and present fun facts – for example: »How many meters does the average adolescent scroll each day?«

Parents receive parallel informational texts and videos that address aspects of media use, such as responsible social media use. freii also helps parents communicate with their children and provides guidance for handling difficult conversations.

Over the 21 days, there are four family challenges, completed together by adolescents and parents. Missed days can be easily caught up so no one misses out. If the program is conducted in schools, trained professionals – either teachers or school social workers – conduct introductory and closing workshops.

What sets freii apart from other media prevention programs?

Most media prevention programs target children under twelve. Our other program at Villa Schöpflin, »Max & Mina«, is aimed at grades four to six. freii specifically targets adolescents aged 11 to 15.

What distinguishes freii is its integration into everyday life. While many programs only take place in schools or workshops, freii can be used anytime, anywhere. Its software-based design makes participation easy and accessible.

Gamification further increases motivation. Game-like elements such as challenges, quizzes, and point collection make freii interactive. Its three-week duration covers many facets of media use, including gaming and social media.

Another key feature is its holistic approach: parents and adolescents participate together, complete family tasks, and can consult a trained professional during school-supported implementations.

What role do the four guides play, and how were they selected?

Because freii relies heavily on video content, we needed people who could convey the material vividly and connect personally with adolescents. Martin D’Costa from Dschungelfilm and Matthias Vogel, who supported us in video conception and production, issued a call within their network, leading to the selection of four guides: Dennis, Kiana, Luis, and Melina.

Eckart von Hirschhausen contributes to family challenges and educational videos. On the freii YouTube channel, he continues to guide parents beyond the 21-day program, addressing internet use disorders and media prevention. Dr. Kai Müller from Mainz University Hospital ensures the scientific accuracy of the content.

The four guides also appear on the freii YouTube channel, giving parents insight into adolescents’ digital lives and explaining video games or social media platforms. The channel serves as a regularly updated knowledge database.

How does self-guided use of the app differ from school-supported implementation?

During the feasibility study, we received many requests to make freii available to all families. Given the social relevance of the topic and the lack of comparable programs, we decided together with the Schöpflin Foundation to make the program universally accessible, regardless of school support. We are pleased to have the Beisheim Foundation as an equal partner, supporting nationwide scaling. In addition to financial backing, the Beisheim Foundation contributes expertise from previous programs in education and mental health, as well as experience in implementing digital and educational initiatives.

The app functions the same way in all contexts. School-based implementations include additional features: trained professionals conduct introductory and closing modules, providing students with deeper knowledge about internet use disorders and leisure behavior. Professionals are also available as points of contact for students and parents. Students can earn points in the app, and the class with the highest score wins a contribution for the class fund. Key insights are reflected upon in the final workshop, ensuring all students, even those who missed parts of the program, receive the essential information.

School support does not require a specialized addiction prevention professional – trained teachers or school social workers can fulfill this role. Two-day training sessions are held nationwide, providing background knowledge and methodological skills. Only trained professionals can create school groups in the app and activate rankings.

»freii« was evaluated in 2024 in a feasibility study and in 2025 in an effectiveness study. What were the key findings of these studies, and how did they influence the development of the program?

In the 2024 feasibility study, we first wanted to find out whether »freii« works as we envisioned and whether we could achieve our goals. During this study, we tested many ideas and identified areas for improvement. For example, the adolescents wished for a stronger personal connection to the guides and more insights into how to complete the challenges. As a result, we introduced audio messages in which the guides share their experiences. The desire for more gamification, such as a class competition, was also implemented. Minor visual adjustments were made, but the core structure of the program remained unchanged because it was working well.

The nationwide effectiveness study conducted this year confirmed that »freii« was able to achieve its core objectives. After the 21 days, the adolescents had increased knowledge about Internet use disorders, could recognize warning signs of risky media use, and were aware of recommended screen times. In addition, »freii« helped strengthen their social skills. They are now more confident in addressing classmates if they observe risky media use or in seeking help themselves if they notice they have lost control. Nearly half of the adolescents reported that »freii« motivated them to change their leisure activities and engage more in offline activities such as sports, hobbies, or spending time with friends and family. About one-third better understand after the program why household rules are important and why it is necessary to follow them.

What are the next steps after the app launch?

By the end of the year, »freii« will be available not only as a web app but also in app stores. The rollout of »freii« as well as its continuous development have been jointly supported since September 1, 2025, by the equal partners Beisheim Stiftung and Schöpflin Stiftung.

We also plan to further expand the »freii« YouTube channel and regularly provide it with new content. As the topics addressed by »freii« continue to evolve, the app’s content will be regularly reviewed and updated accordingly.

 

Further information about »freii« can be found on the website www.freii.de. 

In a video (in german), Eckart von Hirschhausen, together with the »freii« team, provides a closer look at the program. Watch it here: To the Video