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Cellphones, Social Media and Mental Health

A recent NEA survey asked educators about the impact on their students.
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Educators Speak Out on Social Media, Cellphones, and Mental Health

NEA surveyed 2,889 members working in K–12 schools about the impact of cellphones and social media on their students. The spring 2024 survey identified four main areas of concern: student mental health, student safety and behavior, social skills, and the overall learning environment. Here’s what these NEA members had to say:

More than 90% feel that students’ mental health is a serious issue at their school and that things have gotten worse in the last few years.
The vast majority say students are:
having trouble concentrating: 83%
acting out: 81%
not showing up to school: 75%
40% say cyberbullying is their biggest concern about students’ social media use.
84% say social media contributes to students’ mental health issues, and 81% say cellphones are a contributor.
73% of teachers in schools where students have access to cellphones and personal devices report disruptions in their classes.
38% are concerned that social media prevents students from developing social skills.

For the complete survey results, visit nea.org/impact. For more resources, go to NEA.org/Healthy-Schools.  

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Impact of Social Media and Personal Devices on Mental Health

by: National Education Association August 12, 2024
A new survey of National Education Association members reveals that educators are very concerned about student mental health and the role of electronic devices and social media in public schools.

NEA

NEA Today, January 2025
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NEA Today, January 2025

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The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.
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