Stanford Youth Study — US Parents & Kids (Age 9–13)

Mercor is recruiting participants for the Youth Well-being Project, a research study led by Stanford University in collaboration with Bocconi University, focused on how smartphones and digital tools affect children and families.

The study begins October 1, 2026 — apply now to take part. We're enrolling parents in the United States who have a child aged 9–13 with their own smartphone. You can pick one child to take part with you.

What you'll be asked to do

• Complete a few short online surveys plus occasional text-message check-ins, spread across the study

• Install a parental-control app on your child's phone and keep it installed for the duration of the study

• Your child completes two short online surveys and a few text-message check-ins

Requirements

• Based in the United States

• Parent/guardian of a child aged 9–13 who has their own smartphone

• Willing to install a parental-control app on the child's phone

• You and your child are willing to take part together

Engagement details

• Start: October 1, 2026

• Format: Remote — online surveys + short text-message check-ins

• Time commitment: The study runs over ~8 weeks. Active time is light — the surveys are short and the app simply stays installed on your child's phone during that period, with a few quick check-ins along the way

• Compensation: A flat fee 110$, paid once on completion

• Participation: One child per household

Why participate

• Contribute to Stanford + Bocconi research on children's well-being in the digital age

• Help parents make more informed decisions about technology

• Flexible, remote participation

We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.