A Mobile Phone-Based Life Skills Training Program for Substance Use Prevention Among Adolescents

Researchers from universities in Germany and Switzerland have explored the use of m-health in substance use prevention in adolescents. 

Through the implementation of a fully-automated programme, ready4life, generic life skills training can be offered using mobile phones in an individually tailored delivery. The programme is based on "social cognitive theory and addresses self-management skills, social skills, and substance use resistance skills". 

The programme was tested in 118 schools in Switzerland with young people who owned a mobile phone and who were not smokers being invited to participate. Over the series of 6 months they would receive 3 weekly text messages and were encouraged to take part in the programme through interactive quizzes and picture contests. 

The following outcomes were assessed: perceived stress, self-management skills, social skills, at-risk alcohol use, tobacco smoking, and cannabis use.The study found that within the group of participants perceived stress was lower after taking part, alcohol use risk was also lower and it was recommended that a control trial of game should take place.