Development and validation of a comprehensive prevention-focused intervention package for problematic digital technology use among youth: a multi-site study protocol

Background Problematic use of digital technology among children, adolescents, and young adults is associated with adverse health, behavioural, interpersonal, social, academic and vocational outcomes. Most existing research focuses on treatment oriented interventions. Prevention focused interventions are limited. This is especially true for the low- and middle-income countries. There is a need for structured prevention approaches that involve youth, parents, and teachers. Objectives This study aims to develop and validate a comprehensive package of prevention-focused interventions targeted at problematic use of digital technology among youth. Methods The study will be conducted across six sites in India. It will use a sequential mixed-methods design. Literature review, stakeholder interviews, and expert consensus shall be used for intervention development. This will be guided by established frameworks for complex interventions. Validation will be carried out using a quasi-experimental pre–post design. Quantitative measures will assess changes in knowledge, skills, confidence, and decision-making, as well as feasibility and acceptability. Qualitative methods will be used to assess engagement, delivery quality, and contextual factors. Expected outcomes The study will lead to a modular prevention-focused intervention package with evidence of feasibility and acceptability. Findings will inform future larger scale implementation and evaluations. Conclusion This protocol outlines a structured approach to development of a prevention-focused intervention targeted at problematic digital technology use among youth. The focus on prevention, stakeholder involvement, and real-world settings supports relevance for public health practice and policy. Clinical trial registration https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/login.php , identifier CTRI2026/03/105278.