The 15-month study, published in JMIR, explored how the therapeutic mobile game Lumi Nova: Tales of Courage could help children in economically disadvantaged areas manage anxiety.

The digital therapeutic game, created by social enterprise BfB, combines psychoeducation and graded exposure therapy within an interactive, child-friendly format. It is recommended by NICE as a first-line treatment option for childhood anxiety.

The project-led by Greater Manchester researchers in collaboration with children, families, schools and school link teams, and with Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation NHS Trust (GMMH) CAMHS teams – explored how the game could provide an accessible and engaging way to help children aged 7-12 living with anxiety manage their symptoms and build resilience.

The study, which involved 113 children from schools across the Northwest of England, found:

• 87% of children in the study used Lumi Nova at least once during an 8-week access period
• children and families reported the app was easy to use with many noting improvements in anxiety management
• parents highlighted the app's positive effects.

The study also challenged assumptions about barriers to digital adoption, such as limited internet access or device availability, demonstrating that Lumi Nova can be successfully deployed in low-income areas.

Over the course of the study, BfB Labs incorporated feedback from children, families, and practitioners to improve the app to meet the needs of economically-disadvantaged users.

Dr Pauline Whelan, chief investigator, said: 'This collaboration between the University of Manchester, Greater Manchester Mental Health and BfB Labs showcases the huge potential of digital mental health technologies to support underserved communities.

'It also demonstrates practical solutions to overcoming the common challenges faced by digital innovators working with economically disadvantaged populations.'

Manjul Rathee, chief executive and co-founder of BfB Labs, said: 'By rethinking what inclusive, child-focused mental health care can look like, we're giving young people the tools they need to manage their anxiety. This research shows just how impactful accessible, scalable, and age-appropriate mental health care can be in helping kids overcome challenges and build resilience.'