VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SHEET
A study on the effects of social media on young people’s sense of self: A parental view.
What is the study about?
This study will explore young people’s internet usage from the perspective of their parents. The study will consider whether the use of social media has an effect on young people’s identity formation and sense of self.
Who is taking part?
Parents of young people aged between 11 and 18.
What will I have to do?
You will be asked to complete an online questionnaire which will begin when you have read all the information on this page. The questionnaire will firstly ask some questions about you and your child’s internet usage. Next there will be some open questions in which you can provide your experiences and feeling towards this subject. Once these questions have been completed you will have an opportunity to leave the study if you wish or submit your answers and give consent for this information to be used.
What are the risks?
There are no personal risks to you. You not have to provide your name and any personal information will be kept anonymous and only the researcher will have access to so that they can assure complete confidentiality. Some of the questions asked in the questionnaire may be seen as sensitive and you may leave the study at any point if you do not feel comfortable continuing. You can do this by simply closing the window.
What are the benefits?
There will be no direct benefits to you from participating but the information will contribute to a wider knowledge. The information gained in this study will help to provide a better understanding about how the internet usage affects young people and this information may be used to educate parents, teachers and young people about responsible internet use. At the end of the study there will be links to further information for anyone who has found the survey interesting and wishes to read further into the topics mentioned.
What if I do not wish to continue at any stage?
You are free to withdraw from the study at any time. You can refuse to answer any question, and may refuse to do anything requested of you. If you wish to leave at any point then just close the tab that the survey is on. At the last page, the researcher will ask you to think of a code which you should make a note of. The researcher will attach this code to your information. If at a later date you wish to withdraw from this study then contact me with this code and the researcher will be able to find and remove your information. Contact details can be found on the last page or at the bottom of this page. Please remember, until you click SUBMIT at the end of the study and agree to give consent to the study, your information will not be saved at all.
What happens to the information?
All information is completely confidential to the researcher who has sole access to the information. All information will be identified by code number, and will be seen only by the researcher. It will not be possible to identify you in any reports that result from the study.
What else can I expect from the researcher?
Please feel free to email the researcher with any questions regarding the study and request a copy of the results once completed.
Principle investigators:
Rachel Rosevear
School of Applied Social Sciences
UCS, Waterfront Building, Neptune Quay
Ipswich
IP4 1QJ
E-mail: r.mcgarry@ucs.ac.uk
