Five freshmen at Chaminade High School took on a digital dilemma. How could they help young people, like them, reduce screen time and improve mental health as a result of social media?

An app, of course.

After surveying over 300 of their classmates to see how often they use social media and how it impacts them, the students designed a 'buddy bot' AI program. It encourages users to step away from the screen.

They won first prize at the "Medical Marvels" competition held by Northwell Health's Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, winning $1,800.

The students tell News 12 they plan to use the money to make the app a reality, and try to help as many young people reduce their screen time as possible.