report · Families
Families
Parents Agree: Kids Need Better Online Safety
Parents across all political backgrounds are worried about how social media and smartphones hurt their children. New research shows 84% of parents worry about mental health impacts, 78% want phone-free schools, and 91% think tech companies should protect kids better. Parents see their children struggling with anxiety, depression, and addiction to devices. Kids compare themselves to fake photos online, lose sleep scrolling social media, and have trouble focusing on homework. Parents from liberal, conservative, and moderate families all share the same concerns - this isn't about politics, it's about protecting children. Many parents support schools requiring students to put phones away during class time. This creates better focus, reduces bullying, and helps kids talk face-to-face instead of just texting. The research found parents feel powerless to fix this problem alone and want schools, communities, and tech companies to work together. Youth suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders have increased since smartphones became common. The Surgeon General warns social media poses serious risks to young people's mental health. This rare agreement across political divides shows parents everywhere want the same thing: safer online spaces for their kids.
March 5, 2026·More in Common·The Change Lab
Article
Parents across all political backgrounds are worried about how social media and smartphones hurt their children. New research shows 84% of parents worry about mental health impacts, 78% want phone-free schools, and 91% think tech companies should protect kids better. Parents see their children struggling with anxiety, depression, and addiction to devices. Kids compare themselves to fake photos online, lose sleep scrolling social media, and have trouble focusing on homework. Parents from liberal, conservative, and moderate families all share the same concerns - this isn't about politics, it's about protecting children. Many parents support schools requiring students to put phones away during class time. This creates better focus, reduces bullying, and helps kids talk face-to-face instead of just texting. The research found parents feel powerless to fix this problem alone and want schools, communities, and tech companies to work together. Youth suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders have increased since smartphones became common. The Surgeon General warns social media poses serious risks to young people's mental health. This rare agreement across political divides shows parents everywhere want the same thing: safer online spaces for their kids.
Read the full guide
We found this for you at More in Common
AI Summary
Let us break this down in plain language.
Related
HealthResources for Better Listening and Mental Health SupportThis resource page offers tools to improve listening skills and find mental health support. It includes free chapters from the book 'Thank You for Listening' that teach how to be a better listener. The page has links to articles about communication, arguing better, and helping people who are grieving. It also connects you to mental health resources like crisis hotlines, counseling services, and support organizations. There are book recommendations about having difficult conversations and talking with children. The site links to groups that provide free emotional support online and by phone, including suicide prevention services. Whether you want to learn better listening skills, help someone in crisis, or find mental health support, this page brings together many helpful resources in one place. The materials focus on building empathy, improving relationships, and knowing how to respond when someone needs support.
FamiliesEducation Tech Company Allelo Makes Top 200 in Big ContestAllelo, an education technology company from Pittsburgh, was chosen as one of 200 finalists in a major startup contest called the GSV Cup. This contest is the world's biggest competition for education technology companies, with over $1 million in prizes. Allelo beat out more than 750 other companies from around the world to make it to this level. The company creates tools that help students have better online discussions and conversations in their classes. Teachers can use Allelo's artificial intelligence features to see how well students participate and stay on topic during online discussions. The company was started by engineering students from Carnegie Mellon University. Now they will compete at a big education conference in San Diego for the chance to win cash prizes and investment money. The contest shows how technology is changing education, especially after the pandemic made online learning more important. More than half of the winning companies have female founders, and many are led by people of color, showing growing diversity in the tech industry.
Go deeper
Social Connection in America: 2025 Survey Report on Community Bonds and Well-Being
“ 2025 Survey Report About This Project This survey will catalyze a broad and lasting impact—transforming how we define, prioritize, and support social connection in America. This survey is led by D...”
p. 1Read more →
Sense of Achievement, Belonging, and Connectedness: Social Support Study in Houston Area
“ Sense of Achievement, Belonging, and Connectedness The Role of Loneliness, Connections, and Social Support in Adults’ Life Satisfaction, Purpose, and Self-Efficacy in the Houston Area Daniel Potte...”
p. 1Read more →
Recipes for Connection: Inspiring Social Connection One Bite at a Time
“ Recipes for I n s p i r i n g a t a t i m e s o c i a l c o n n e c t i o n o n e b i t e 1 Recipes for Connection Inspiring social connection one bite at a time Letter from the U.S. Surgeon Gener...”
p. 1Read more →