22/04/2026
I didn't write this but I found it very interesting and it may be of benefit for people teaching young people to drive - 10 of the most significant, research-backed statistics relating to the impact of social media and technology on student learning are shown below. Both positive and negative effects have been included for a balanced, evidence-based perspective and, so as not to convey the idea that all technology or all social media is bad, for it most certainly is not.
Near-universal usage | 97% of students use social media platforms regularly. This shows how deeply embedded technology is in students’ daily learning environments.
Very low academic use | Only 1% of students use social media primarily for academic purposes. Most usage is non-educational, limiting its learning benefits.
High distraction levels | 66% of students report being more drawn to social media than academic work. Indicates strong competition between learning and digital engagement.
Direct impact on learning | 52% of students say social media negatively affects their learning activities. A majority perceive a real academic cost.
Addiction concerns | Around 57% of students report being addicted to social media. Addiction correlates with poorer focus and academic outcomes.
Time spent online | Many students spend 3+ hours daily on social media, which is linked to poorer time management and reduced academic engagement.
Impact on sleep (and learning) | 68% of students say social media delays their sleep. Sleep disruption is strongly linked to reduced academic performance.
Reduced academic engagement | Heavy social media use is a significant negative predictor of academic engagement. More use leads to less focus and more procrastination.
Positive impact on collaboration | Social media-based learning increases student participation, collaboration, and confidence. When used intentionally, it can enhance learning outcomes.
Growing role of AI and technology | Around 80% of students use AI tools, but 62% believe it negatively affects their learning and skill development. Technology is helping—but also raising concerns about dependency.
Key Takeaways
Biggest risks: distraction, addiction, reduced focus, sleep disruption
Biggest benefits: collaboration, access to information, engagement
Core issue: how technology is used matters more than how much
Here are 5 student-relevant statistics highlighting the dangers of social media, especially in relation to learning, wellbeing, and development:
Academic performance drops | Students who spend 3+ hours per day on social media are significantly more likely to have lower grades. More screen time often replaces study time and reduces focus.
Sleep disruption | 68% of students report losing sleep due to social media use. Poor sleep directly impacts memory, concentration, and learning.
Increased anxiety and depression | Teens who spend more than 3 hours daily on social media face double the risk of mental health issues (including anxiety and depression). Constant comparison and online pressure take a toll.
Addictive behaviour | Around 57% of students say they feel addicted to social media. This can lead to compulsive checking and reduced self-control.
Reduced attention span | Studies show frequent social media use is linked to shorter attention spans and increased difficulty focusing on tasks. This affects deep learning and critical thinking.
Simple takeaway for students:
Social media isn’t “bad”—but too much, at the wrong times, can seriously impact your learning, sleep, and mental health.
Here are 5 student-relevant statistics on the dangers of the internet, focusing on safety, wellbeing, and learning:
Exposure to harmful content | Around 70% of young people have encountered inappropriate or harmful content online (violence, po*******hy, or hate content). Many students are exposed earlier than expected, often accidentally.
Cyberbullying prevalence | About 1 in 3 students report experiencing cyberbullying. Online bullying can be constant, anonymous, and harder to escape than face-to-face bullying.
Privacy risks | 60% of teens have shared personal information online (location, school, contact details). This increases risks of scams, identity theft, and unsafe contact.
Mental health impact | Students who experience negative online interactions are 2–3 times more likely to report depression or emotional distress. Online environments can strongly affect real-world wellbeing.
Online predators | Approximately 1 in 5 children receive unwanted sexual solicitation online. Highlights the importance of digital safety and awareness.
Simple takeaway for students:
The internet is powerful and useful—but not always safe. Being aware, thinking before you share, and knowing when to disconnect are essential skills.
While there were a broad range of sources viewed the key sources were:
eSafety commissioner
UNICEF
UNESCO
OECD
Common Sense Media
Pew Research centre
Sleep Foundation
