Students are calling for greater clarity around school policies on artificial intelligence, better balance in screen time, and more support in navigating technology, according to the latest Student Insights Report from The Social Institute. The annual report, based on responses from over 53,000 students and one million anonymous answers across grades 3 to 12 in the U.S. and internationally, highlights evolving digital behaviors and growing concerns among young people. One major finding shows that while 43% of high schoolers say their schools have some rules about AI use, only 10% report that these guidelines are clear. This lack of transparency leaves students confused about what is acceptable, underscoring a need for schools to develop and communicate more defined AI policies. The report also reveals that nearly half of all students—48%—receive their first smartphone by age 11, emphasizing the urgency of early education on digital responsibility. YouTube remains the most widely used app across all grade levels, with 76% of middle schoolers, 70% of high schoolers, and 64% of elementary students using it weekly. Surprisingly, high schoolers are making phone calls as often as they text, with 69% reporting weekly voice calls—matching their texting habits. Middle schoolers show similar trends, with 57% using phone calls and 58% using FaceTime weekly, nearly equal to the 61% who text weekly. This suggests that students are increasingly turning to voice and video to stay connected, challenging the assumption that texting dominates teen communication. When asked about their biggest challenges with social media, 51% of high schoolers and 35% of middle schoolers cited excessive time spent online. The second most common issue was comparing themselves to others, highlighting ongoing mental health concerns tied to digital use. Students identified key areas where they want to improve, including managing screen time, understanding AI tools responsibly, and recognizing misinformation. These insights offer educators and families clear opportunities to provide targeted support. The report comes at a time when over 30 states have enacted laws requiring schools to implement policies restricting student cell phone use. Among surveyed students, 24% feel very positive about their school’s current policy, while 45% are somewhat positive but would like changes. The top reason students support stricter rules is to help them focus in class and improve academic performance. Laura Tierney, Founder and CEO of The Social Institute, said the data reflects how quickly the digital landscape is changing. “Students are facing new challenges like AI, deepfakes, and evolving school rules—issues that didn’t exist just a few years ago. What’s encouraging is that students are telling us what they need: clearer AI guidelines, better screen time balance, and practical tools to thrive online and offline. With the right support, schools and families can help students build the skills they need to succeed in today’s world.” The full 2026 Student Insights Report is available for download at https://hubs.ly/Q03-RlJ_0.