Technology-based Gender Support Platform for Parenting

(TEGS Trial)

Overseen By Gina Sequeira

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Seattle Children's Hospital

Disqualifiers: Not a parent, No internet, Cannot read English

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new online platform designed to support parents and caregivers of gender-diverse youth. The goal is to assess the platform's ease of use and helpfulness through user surveys and possibly interviews over several months. It suits parents with a child aged 8 to 17 who identifies as gender-diverse, has internet access, and can read or speak English. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to developing a potentially valuable resource for supporting gender-diverse youth.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this technology-enhanced gender support platform is safe for parents and caregivers?

Research shows that the Technology-Enhanced Gender Support (TEGS) platform is in the early testing phase. This study aims to evaluate the platform's ease of use and practicality for parents and caregivers.

Specific safety data for this technology is not yet available, but similar platforms have been safely developed to offer support. Reviews of mobile health (mHealth) technologies indicate they can be effectively designed to assist users, including transgender and non-binary individuals.

The platform in this trial is digital and focuses on providing support and information. As a pilot study, it seeks to ensure the technology is user-friendly and beneficial. Since it is not a drug or medical procedure, the risks are generally low. However, protecting privacy and data security remains crucial when using any digital platform. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the technology-enhanced gender support platform because it offers a digital, personalized approach to support parenting in gender-diverse families. Unlike traditional counseling or support groups that may require in-person attendance and can be limited by geography or availability of specialists, this platform can be accessed conveniently online, making it more accessible. Additionally, it integrates technology to provide tailored resources and support, potentially offering a more customized and responsive experience for users. This innovative approach could help bridge gaps in current support systems, offering timely and relevant assistance to parents navigating gender diversity in their families.

What evidence suggests that this technology-enhanced gender support platform is effective for parenting?

Research has shown that digital platforms effectively support parents of children needing help with gender-related issues. One study found that using these platforms for social support led to less anxiety and better bonding with their children. A review of various digital parenting tools found they boosted parents' confidence and satisfaction in their parenting. This trial will evaluate the Technology-Enhanced Gender Support Platform, which aims to help parents feel more supported and connected, crucial when dealing with complex issues like gender identity. Overall, evidence suggests that digital tools positively impact parental support and well-being. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for parents and caregivers interested in using a Technology-Enhanced Gender Support (TEGS) platform. Participants must consent to complete surveys at the start, after one month, and three months of using the platform. They also have the option to do an exit interview.

Inclusion Criteria

Can speak or read English

Has access to the internet

I am the parent of a gender diverse child aged 8-17.

Exclusion Criteria

Cannot speak or read in English

No access to the internet

I am not the parent of a gender diverse child aged 8-17.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Baseline Survey

Participants complete an electronic survey at baseline

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Technology-Enhanced Gender Support Platform Access

Participants receive access to the TEGS platform

3 months

Continuous access

Follow-up Surveys

Participants complete follow-up surveys 1 month and 3 months after baseline

3 months

2 visits (virtual)

Exit Interview (optional)

Participants have the option to participate in an exit interview

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Technology-enhanced gender support platform

Trial Overview The study tests the feasibility and acceptability of a TEGS platform among parents. It involves baseline surveying, providing access to TEGS, and then follow-up surveys at one month and three months post-access.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Technology-Enhanced Gender Support Platform Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Seattle Children's Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

319

Recruited

5,232,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07022392?lat=47.6628348&lng=-122.2820633&locStr=Seattle%20Children's%20Hospital,%20Sand%20Point%20Way%20Northeast,%20Seattle,%20WA&distance=50&rank=9

NCT07022392 | Feasibility and Acceptability of the ... This is a small pilot feasibility and acceptability study of implementing a Technology-Enhanced Gender Support (TEGS) platform with parents and caregivers.

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-parenting-9-2025-fb716

Technology-based Gender Support Platform for Parenting ... This is a small pilot feasibility and acceptability study of implementing a Technology-Enhanced Gender Support (TEGS) platform with parents and caregivers.

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9887516/

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Supportive Parenting ... The outcome measures included postnatal depression, anxiety, parental bonding, parental self-efficacy, perceived social support, and parenting satisfaction.

4. jmir.org jmir.org/2022/12/e37972/

Digital Platform Uses for Help and Support Seeking of ... Results: We identified 17 papers in which digital platforms used by parents of affected children predominantly included social media elements ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1747938X25000363

Meta-analysis of associations between digital parenting ... Meta-analysis of 88 studies on digital parenting and children's digital wellbeing. Digital parenting comprises positive and negative mediation and co-use.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12095484/

A systematic review of developments in mHealth smartphone ... Designing technology to support safety for transgender women & non-binary people of color. In Companion Publication of the 2019 on Designing ...

7. esri.ie esri.ie/news/new-esri-report-funded-by-block-w-finds-a-pressing-need-to-address-the-challenges-of-parenting

New ESRI report, funded by Block W, finds a pressing need ... New ESRI research, commissioned by BlockW, highlights the complexities and risks associated with children's digital technology use.

8. cdh.stanford.edu cdh.stanford.edu/sites/g/files/sbiybj29486/files/media/file/youth_safety_and_digital_wellbeing_report_2025.pdf

Stanford Youth Safety and Digital Wellbeing Report, 2025 - Provide reliable, accessible information on how platforms work and what safety settings are available to help parents navigate digital safety challenges.