Evaluation of an App for Young People With Suicidal Thoughts

Summary

There are currently very few evidence-based tools specifically designed to support children and adolescents experiencing suicidal thoughts. Digital interventions are increasingly used in suicide prevention and show promise in helping young people improve emotional regulation, coping skills, and manage suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

In Flanders, the app BackUp was developed in 2015 by VLESP to support adults with suicidal thoughts. Research showed that while the app led to a small, non-significant reduction in suicidal thoughts after one week, 70% of users found it helpful in daily life. A key feature of the app is the Safety Plan, based on cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps individuals identify coping strategies and sources of support. This approach has proven effective in reducing suicidal behavior and is also suitable for use with children and adolescents.

Despite these developments, there is still a need for a digital tool specifically tailored to young people. In 2023, the investigators launched a project to develop a new app in collaboration with youth care professionals, app developers, and adolescents with lived experience of suicidality. Their input ensures the app meets the needs and preferences of young users.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and usability of the app through a pilot study involving adolescents aged 12-17 who are currently experiencing suicidal thoughts. Participants and their parents or guardians must provide informed consent before joining the study.

The evaluation includes online questionnaires completed before and after using the app. These questionnaires collect information on demographics, coping strategies, and the severity of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The post-assessment also includes questions about user experience and satisfaction. No interviews are conducted; all data are collected digitally.

Participants are recruited through various channels and must meet specific inclusion criteria. After completing the initial questionnaire, they receive a code to access the app, ensuring that only study participants can use it.

Conditions

• Suicidal Behavior
• Suicidal Ideation
• Coping Behavior

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Smartphone App

This intervention is a mobile app co-created with adolescents who have experienced suicidal thoughts. It is specifically designed for youth aged 12-17 and includes a Safety Plan, tools such as a HopeBox, and psychoeducational content for young people, their loved ones, and care providers. Furthermore, there is a 'Help' button, offering direct access to crisis support. Unlike existing apps for adults, this app is tailored to the developmental needs and lived experiences of adolescents. Access is restricted to study participants to ensure controlled evaluation.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University Ghent

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Gwendolyn Portzky, PhD · University Ghent

Study Design

Allocation

NA

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

12 Years

Max Age

17 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-09-12

Primary Completion

2025-12-23

Completion

2025-12-23

Countries

• Belgium

Study Locations