New survey finds most parents believe teen device and social media overuse is a public health concern

The Phone-free Schools Movement (PFSM), a non-profit dedicated to promoting phone-free policies in K-12 schools, has shared the results of a new parent survey on student phone use. 

PFSM surveyed 1,000 parents of children aged between nine and 17-years-old in October 2025 about their views on the use of phones in K-12 schools.

More than half (58 percent) of parents said their child has faced at least one negative consequence of device use during the school day - including distraction, bullying, or social conflict. 

One in three parents surveyed said phones harm the overall school environment and 70 percent said they believe teen device and social media overuse is a moderate public health concern. More than a third (38 percent) said it was a serious enough issue to warrant statewide or national action.

"These numbers confirm what families have felt for years," explains Mileva Repasky, Co-founder of PFSM. "Parents are not asking for perfect kids or perfect schools. They are asking for one sane, protected space in the day where children can focus, learn, and build real friendships without a phone in their hand."

PFSM is calling for statewide guidance on keeping phones turned off and inaccessible during the school day. The organization also recommends phone-free policies be supported with clubs, peer-led activities, and spaces for non-digital connection. 

Co-founder Sabine Polak adds: "Our mission is to give youth the freedom to excel without the pressures and harms of phones and social media during the school day. This data shows parents are ready for that change and they want schools and lawmakers to lead it."