Let’s be real. School today is not just about learning math or science. For many kids, it’s also about who scored what, who missed school, who got an A+, and who didn’t. Social media has turned school into a stage. And every child feels like they’re being watched. That feeling is called FOMO — the Fear of Missing Out. Add social comparison into the mix, and things get even more stressful.
1. 60% of students say they feel pressure to keep up with peers’ academic achievements on social media
Why this matters and what to do about it
Imagine being a student today. You just finished a math test. You’re proud because you tried your best. Then you go online and see your friend post a story: “Another 100%!” Suddenly, your hard work doesn’t feel so great anymore.
That’s what this stat shows us. Sixty percent of students are feeling pressure—not because someone told them directly, but because they saw someone else doing better. It’s quiet, sneaky pressure. And it’s everywhere.
Social media has turned personal success into public news. Before, students only knew about each other’s grades if they asked. Now, it’s all over their feeds. This makes it hard to feel proud of your own journey. Even kids who are doing well can feel like they’re falling behind.
This pressure affects confidence. And when kids feel less confident, they stop trying. That’s how grades begin to drop—not because they’re not smart, but because they don’t believe in themselves anymore.
If you’re a parent, talk to your child about what they see online. Ask them how it makes them feel when they see friends posting their grades. Don’t brush it off. Let them know it’s okay to feel left out or discouraged. Then remind them that someone else’s success doesn’t erase their own. Every child has their own path. Celebrate effort, not just results.
If you’re a teacher, create a classroom culture that focuses on growth. Instead of rewarding only the top scorer, highlight improvement. Show students that trying, failing, and learning are more valuable than perfect grades.
If you’re a student, take a break from social media after big tests. Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself. And remember, nobody posts their struggles—just their wins. You’re seeing a highlight reel, not the full picture.
Most importantly, make your progress your own. Write down your goals. Keep a journal of small wins. Celebrate each step. That’s how you build true confidence—the kind that doesn’t shake when someone else shines.
2. Students who experience FOMO are 2.5x more likely to skip class
What this means and how to turn it around
FOMO can do strange things to the brain. When students feel like they’re missing out—on fun, on friendship, or even on trending moments—they start making choices that don’t always make sense. Like skipping class. Not because they hate school.
But because they want to feel part of something else. Maybe there’s a party. Maybe it’s just a group of friends hanging out. Maybe everyone is talking about something that happened on TikTok, and they don’t want to be left out. Whatever it is, the fear of missing that moment becomes bigger than the fear of missing school.
This stat tells us something huge. Students with strong FOMO are more than twice as likely to skip class. That means attendance is no longer just about schoolwork. It’s also about belonging. When kids don’t feel like they fit in, they’ll try to fit in anywhere else—even if it means skipping something important.
If you’re a parent, look deeper when your child doesn’t want to go to school. Ask them what they’re afraid of missing. Listen carefully. Don’t just say, “School comes first.” Instead, help them balance both. Can they catch up on what they missed online after school?
Can you plan something fun for them to look forward to, so they don’t feel like they’re always choosing school over joy?
If you’re a teacher, make class feel like a place they want to be. It doesn’t mean making everything a party. It means creating moments of connection. Let them work in groups sometimes. Give them projects that feel fun. Make room for laughter, even while learning. When class feels like a space they belong in, they’ll stop trying to be somewhere else.
If you’re a student, remind yourself what you gain by showing up. Every time you skip class, you fall a little behind—and that can make FOMO even worse. The best way to feel proud and strong is to stay consistent. You don’t need to be perfect. Just present.
Want to be part of something cool and exciting? You already are. Every time you show up to learn, grow, and improve, you’re building a future that’s way bigger than any trending moment online. And that’s something you’ll never want to miss out on.
3. 70% of students compare their test scores with others immediately after receiving them
The pressure to compare — and how to stop the spiral
It’s the moment after the teacher hands back a test. You glance at your score. Then, without even thinking, you ask the person next to you, “What did you get?” Sound familiar? That’s what this stat is talking about.
Seventy percent of students don’t just think about their own score. They instantly want to know everyone else’s. It’s like a built-in reaction. But here’s the thing: it’s also a trap.
When students compare their scores with others, they’re not just looking for numbers. They’re looking for how to feel. If they did better than someone else, they feel good. If they did worse, they feel bad. The problem is, that feeling doesn’t last.
It keeps changing, depending on who they’re next to. And that creates a loop of self-doubt, even for high-performing students.
Comparison doesn’t show the whole story. One student might get a high grade but stayed up all night studying. Another might score low but improved from the last test. Every score has a backstory. But when we compare numbers, we forget that.
If you’re a parent, help your child understand their personal progress. Don’t ask, “What did others get?” Ask, “How do you feel about your result? Did you learn anything new?” When you praise effort and growth, not just high scores, you build long-term motivation.
If you’re a teacher, try handing tests back privately. Create an environment where students focus on reflecting instead of comparing. Give them time to think about what they did well and what they could work on next. That moment of quiet reflection can do more than any gold star.
If you’re a student, ask yourself: “Why do I need to know what others got?” Is it helping you learn? Or is it making you feel worse? The truth is, your biggest competition is who you were yesterday. If you can do a little better than your last test, you’re already winning.
Want to stay focused on your own journey? Try keeping a personal progress tracker. Write down your scores over time. Not to compare with others, but to see how far you’ve come. Growth is quiet, personal, and powerful. And you don’t need anyone else’s paper to see it.
4. 1 in 3 high schoolers report feeling “less intelligent” after seeing others’ grades online
When grades make you feel small — and how to rebuild confidence
Let’s say you worked hard on a test. You didn’t get a perfect score, but you’re proud of yourself. Then you see someone on Instagram post their result: “100%! Hard work pays off!” Suddenly, you don’t feel so proud anymore.
In fact, you start feeling… dumb. That’s the danger of social comparison. One in three high school students report feeling less intelligent just because of what they saw online.
That’s heartbreaking. Grades are supposed to measure learning, not self-worth. But in a world where everything is shared and liked, it’s easy for kids to connect their scores to their value. If someone else got an A, does that make your B less important? Not at all. But it can feel that way.
What makes this even harder is that people mostly share only the good stuff. You rarely see posts about struggles, low grades, or mistakes. So when you’re scrolling through wins and achievements, it can feel like you’re the only one not doing great. That feeling can crush confidence.
If you’re a parent, remind your child that intelligence isn’t a number. It’s how they think, ask questions, solve problems, and stay curious. Talk about your own school days. Share your struggles. Let them know it’s normal to not get perfect grades all the time.
If you’re a teacher, create space in the classroom for honest conversations. Let students talk about what they found hard. Normalize failure as part of learning. Help them see that mistakes aren’t signs of being less smart—they’re signs of growth.
If you’re a student, try this the next time you feel small: write down three things you’re proud of that have nothing to do with grades. Maybe you helped a friend. Maybe you tried something new. Maybe you didn’t give up. These things matter. A lot.
Also, remember this: smart doesn’t always mean fast. Smart doesn’t always mean top grades. Smart means learning in your own way, at your own pace. So the next time you see someone else’s A+, say, “Good for them.” Then go focus on your own path. Because you are not less. You are just different. And that’s not only okay — it’s amazing.
5. 45% of college students admit they have faked grades on social media to seem smarter
Why pretending hurts more than helping — and how to break the cycle
This one might sound shocking, but it’s real. Almost half of college students have shared fake grades online. They posted a perfect score they didn’t really get. Or they said they passed something they actually failed.
Why would they do that? It all comes back to pressure. The pressure to look smart. The pressure to fit in. The pressure to prove that you’re doing great—even when you’re not.
Let’s be honest: social media rewards success. The more wins you post, the more likes you get. And when everyone else is showing off high scores and achievements, it’s easy to feel like you have to do the same. Even if it means bending the truth.
But pretending comes with a cost. Faking grades may feel good for a moment, but it quickly turns into stress. Now you have to keep the lie going. You start to feel like a fraud. You worry someone will find out. And deep down, you know you’re not being real. That stress builds up, and it can hurt your mental health.
If you’re a parent of a college student, don’t just ask them about their grades. Ask how they feel about school. Are they proud of what they’re doing? Are they comparing themselves to others online? Let them know it’s okay to struggle. They don’t need to perform for anyone.
If you’re a teacher or professor, talk about honesty in the classroom. Make it clear that learning is not about being perfect. It’s about being real. When students know they can be honest with you, they’re more likely to be honest with themselves.
If you’re a student who’s ever felt tempted to fake a grade—pause. Ask yourself why. Is it because you’re worried about how others see you? The truth is, the people who matter most care more about who you are than what you score.
Instead of posting fake wins, try posting real efforts. Share your study notes. Talk about what you’re learning. Show your journey. That kind of honesty is rare, and people respect it. You don’t need to be perfect to be impressive. You just need to be you.
6. Social comparison is linked to a 20% drop in academic confidence
How comparing can shrink your self-belief — and how to build it back up
Academic confidence is what helps students raise their hand in class. It’s what lets them say, “I can do this,” even when the work is hard. But when kids compare themselves too much, that confidence takes a hit.
According to this stat, social comparison can lead to a 20% drop in how confident a student feels about their academic abilities. That’s huge.
Think about it this way: every time a student looks at someone else’s paper, score, or award and thinks, “They’re better than me,” a little piece of their confidence breaks. It doesn’t happen all at once. But over time, it adds up. Eventually, students stop trying. They stop believing they can improve. And when they don’t believe, they don’t act.
This is especially dangerous for students who already struggle with self-esteem. They start to think their value is based only on their results. Not their effort. Not their ideas. Just the numbers. And if the numbers don’t match up with their peers’, they think something is wrong with them.
If you’re a parent, focus on encouraging confidence over competition. Ask your child what they learned today, not just what grade they got. Help them see their strengths. Are they creative? Are they persistent? Are they curious? Those things matter.
If you’re a teacher, highlight different kinds of intelligence. Show students that being good at math is one kind of smart—but so is being a great writer, a critical thinker, or a kind teammate. When kids see more ways to succeed, more of them will feel confident.
If you’re a student, stop keeping score with everyone else. Start focusing on what makes you strong. Write down three things you’re good at in school. Then write one thing you want to get better at. That simple act can shift your mindset from “I’m not good enough” to “I’m growing.”
Confidence isn’t about always winning. It’s about knowing you’re capable, even when things are tough. So the next time you feel small after comparing yourself to someone else, remember this: confidence comes from within, not from being better than others. You’ve got what it takes. Now believe it.
7. Students who frequently compare themselves to others online report 15% lower GPA on average
Why constant comparison can hurt your grades — and how to shift focus
Grades are a big part of school life. They open doors, build confidence, and show progress. But when students spend too much time comparing themselves to others—especially online—their own grades can actually start to slip.
This stat shows that students who frequently compare themselves to others online report an average GPA that is 15% lower than those who don’t.
Why does this happen? It’s not just that they feel bad. It’s that comparison eats up brain space. When you’re constantly worried about how others are doing, you lose time and energy that could be spent studying, asking questions, or simply focusing.
Comparison creates anxiety. Anxiety clouds thinking. When your brain is busy worrying about everyone else, it’s hard to learn.
Also, online comparison often leads to feeling stuck. You might think, “They’re just naturally smart. I could never be like that.” That kind of thinking stops progress. You don’t push yourself, because deep down, you already feel like you’ve lost the race.
If you’re a parent, help your child limit their screen time during study hours. Suggest social media breaks before big exams. Encourage offline hobbies that build confidence, like drawing, building, playing music, or reading for fun.
Let them know their brain needs space to grow—and that space gets crowded when it’s always filled with someone else’s achievements.
If you’re a teacher, teach your students about the dangers of social media comparison. Even a five-minute classroom chat can make a difference. Help them understand that what they see online isn’t always real. And even when it is, it doesn’t define them.
If you’re a student, challenge yourself to go one week without checking how your classmates are doing online. Just one week. Use that time to focus on your own study goals. At the end of the week, look at how you feel. Are you more relaxed? More focused? That’s your brain thanking you.
The truth is, you can’t control how anyone else does in school. But you can control your own effort. Focus on progress, not perfection. And always remember: the smartest students aren’t the ones who look good online. They’re the ones who stay focused offline.
8. 52% of students say they attend school to avoid falling behind socially, not academically
When school becomes about belonging — and how to make it safe to learn
More than half of students say they go to school not just to learn, but so they don’t fall behind socially. That means they’re more afraid of missing out on group chats, inside jokes, or who-sat-next-to-who at lunch than missing a lesson. For them, school is less about academics and more about staying in the loop.
This isn’t surprising when you think about how school is structured. Students spend hours every day in groups. They’re surrounded by peers. They’re constantly watching and being watched. So, the fear of being left out socially becomes very real.
The problem is, when students are attending just to stay socially connected, their learning suffers. They may be physically in the classroom but mentally checked out. They’re not focused on what’s being taught. They’re focused on where they sit, who they talk to, or what others think. That’s exhausting.
If you’re a parent, ask your child what they like most about school. If they say “friends” before anything else, don’t panic—but dig deeper. Are they learning too? Do they feel confident in class? If not, talk about how friendships are important—but so is using school to grow.
If you’re a teacher, be aware of the social dynamics in your classroom. Notice who gets left out. Notice who seems distracted by drama. Help your students form healthy friendships that don’t take away from learning. Build a classroom culture where kindness matters just as much as grades.
If you’re a student, think about this: going to school to be with friends is totally normal. But while you’re there, make it worth it. Pay attention. Ask questions. Use the time wisely. Because years from now, the grades you earn and the things you learn will help you build a future. Friendships matter—but so does growth.
You don’t have to pick one over the other. You can have both. You can be social and successful. But that balance starts with knowing why you’re in school in the first place—and making sure you’re getting something real out of it.
9. FOMO increases test anxiety in 62% of high school students
How fear of missing out makes tests feel harder — and how to stay calm
Test anxiety is already tough. Sweaty palms. Racing heart. Blank mind. But when FOMO gets added to the mix, it becomes even harder to focus. This stat tells us that 62% of high school students feel more anxious during tests because they’re also thinking about what they’re missing or how they’ll compare to others afterward.
Here’s how it works: instead of focusing on what they know, students start worrying about who’s going to finish first, who’s going to post their grade online, and how their friends will do. Even before the test starts, their brain is already spinning. That’s not just stressful—it makes it harder to recall information, solve problems, and stay calm under pressure.
FOMO makes everything feel like a competition. And when students feel like they’re constantly being watched or judged, tests stop being a chance to show what they’ve learned—they become a performance. That pressure builds anxiety. And anxiety lowers performance. It’s a hard cycle to break.
If you’re a parent, help your child prepare for tests by creating a calm routine. Focus on sleep, healthy food, and encouraging words—not just studying. Before a big test, don’t ask, “Are you ready to ace it?” Ask, “How are you feeling?” Remind them that tests are not everything. They are just one part of learning.
If you’re a teacher, teach mindfulness or breathing exercises before tests. Even two minutes of calm can lower anxiety. Give students time to settle before jumping into test papers. Reassure them that one score does not define their intelligence or value.
If you’re a student, remember that what happens outside the test room doesn’t matter while you’re inside it. Forget about who’s watching. Forget about social media. This is your moment. You’ve done the work. Trust your process. Take deep breaths. Focus on one question at a time.
And if FOMO creeps in? Say this to yourself: “This test is about me. No one else.” That small reminder can help you feel steady, strong, and in control. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present.
10. Students with high FOMO miss 27% more school days per year than those with low FOMO
How fear of missing out leads to actual missed learning — and how to stop it
It’s a strange but sad fact. Students who are most afraid of missing out are the ones who end up missing the most school. According to this stat, students with high FOMO miss 27% more school days per year than those who don’t feel that way.
Why does this happen? Because FOMO doesn’t just affect what students think. It affects what they do. When students feel like they’re not measuring up, or they’re left out, they sometimes avoid school altogether.
They tell themselves they’re tired or sick—but deep down, it’s emotional. They don’t want to face a classroom where they feel behind. Or a group of friends who had fun without them. Or a subject they think they’re bad at.
And once they start skipping school, it becomes even harder to go back. They fall behind. The anxiety grows. So they skip again. Before long, they’ve missed weeks of important learning—not because they can’t do it, but because FOMO told them they didn’t belong.
If you’re a parent, take school avoidance seriously. Ask gentle questions. “Is something bothering you at school?” “Do you feel left out sometimes?” “What would make it easier for you to go today?” Listen carefully. The solution may not be academic—it may be emotional.
If you’re a teacher, check in on attendance patterns. If a normally good student starts missing days, talk to them privately. Don’t make it about punishment. Make it about care. Ask if they feel supported. Ask if they’re struggling with friendships, pressure, or confidence.
If you’re a student, know this: every day you show up, you’re winning. Even on the hard days. Especially on the hard days. Don’t let fear of missing out become a reason to miss real life. School isn’t just about lessons—it’s about growth. And growth happens when you keep showing up, no matter how you feel.
If you need help, ask for it. Talk to a counselor, a parent, a teacher, or a friend. You’re never alone in this. And every step you take forward is proof that you’re stronger than your fears.
11. 1 in 4 teens admit they attend school sick to avoid missing out on group activities
When FOMO makes students push past limits — and why rest is not a weakness
Sometimes, kids push themselves too hard. They go to school even when their body is telling them to rest.
Why? Because they don’t want to miss anything. One in four teens admit they’ve gone to school sick because they were scared of being left out of group chats, fun projects, or social moments. That’s FOMO taking over common sense—and it’s more dangerous than it seems.
Showing up while sick isn’t a sign of dedication. It’s often a sign of fear. Fear that if they miss a single day, their friends will move on without them. Fear that someone else will get their spot in a group.
Fear that they’ll be forgotten. And that fear makes students ignore their health, their focus, and even the risk of making others sick too.
But here’s the thing: pushing through sickness doesn’t help learning. When you’re unwell, your brain doesn’t work as clearly. You’re tired. You can’t concentrate. You might even struggle to stay awake in class.
So, even if you’re present physically, you’re not really learning. Plus, you’re spreading germs, which can hurt others too.
If you’re a parent, create a home environment where rest is respected. Make sure your child knows that staying home when they’re sick is a smart, strong choice—not a sign of falling behind. Tell them school will always be there, and you’ll help them catch up when they’re ready.
If you’re a teacher, talk about health openly. Let students know that taking care of their body helps their brain too. Make it easy for them to get notes or missed work without guilt. Say out loud that rest is responsible, not lazy.
If you’re a student, be honest with yourself. If you’re not feeling well, take a break. Drink water. Sleep. Recover. The people who care about you won’t forget you after one day. And if they do, they’re not the right crowd. Your health is your power. Don’t trade it for short-term connection.
You don’t need to show up every single day to prove you belong. You belong just by being you.
12. 68% of students check social media during study time, leading to a 40% decrease in focus
How distractions drain your brain — and how to protect your study time
This one’s big. Sixty-eight percent of students admit they check social media while studying. And when they do, their focus drops by 40%. That’s almost half of their brainpower gone—just like that. Every scroll, every notification, every “just-one-more-video” moment chips away at the concentration they need to truly understand what they’re learning.
Here’s why it happens. Social media is designed to be addictive. It gives quick rewards. A like. A laugh. A message. But those little hits of fun also break the flow of deep thinking. The brain needs time to settle into focus.
And every time you switch from a textbook to a screen, you reset that focus clock. It takes minutes—sometimes more than 20—to get fully back into the zone. Most students don’t realize that.
Over time, multitasking becomes a habit. Students believe they can scroll and study at the same time. But research says the opposite. The brain doesn’t truly multitask—it just switches really fast. And that switching makes memory weaker, learning slower, and understanding shallower.
If you’re a parent, help your child set up a screen-free study zone. Remove temptations. Use tools like app timers, airplane mode, or study playlists that keep them off social media. Make it a routine. Quiet space. Set time. No distractions. Big results.
If you’re a teacher, talk about how the brain works during learning. Teach the science behind focus. Share how distraction steals time. Kids are smart—they just need the facts. You might also give short digital breaks during long classes to release the pressure.
If you’re a student, challenge yourself to a 25-minute study sprint with your phone in another room. Just 25 minutes. Then take a short break. Notice how much more you understand when you give your brain full power. It’s like flipping on a light switch in a dark room.
You don’t have to give up social media forever. Just learn to separate it from your learning time. Because your future deserves more than half your focus. It deserves your best.
13. Students who compare grades with peers are 30% more likely to feel academic burnout
When competition turns into exhaustion — and how to protect your spark
Grades are meant to guide learning. But when students start comparing every single score with others, it turns school into a race.
And it’s a race that never ends. This stat shows that students who constantly compare grades with their peers are 30% more likely to feel academic burnout. That means they’re not just tired. They’re drained—emotionally, mentally, and even physically.
Academic burnout is real. It’s that heavy feeling of “I’m done,” even when there’s still so much to do. It’s losing motivation. It’s dreading school. It’s staring at a page and feeling nothing. This doesn’t happen overnight. It builds slowly, often from constant pressure—and comparison is one of the biggest sources.
When students feel like they’re always trying to keep up with someone else, they forget their own pace. They stop resting. They stop enjoying learning. They stop feeling proud of themselves, even when they do well. Because if someone else did better, it never feels like enough. That’s when burnout creeps in.
If you’re a parent, watch for signs of burnout. Is your child unusually quiet? Are they dreading school more than usual? Are they losing interest in subjects they once loved? Help them step back. Take breaks. Do something fun as a family that has nothing to do with school. Sometimes, a little rest brings big results.
If you’re a teacher, encourage self-reflection over self-comparison. Let students set their own goals. Celebrate improvement, not just top marks. Remind them that learning is a journey, not a contest.
If you’re a student, pay attention to how you feel after you get your grades. Do you feel proud—or pressured? If it’s always pressure, it’s time to refocus. Ask yourself: “Am I doing this for me, or for someone else?” You deserve to learn in a way that keeps you energized, not exhausted.
Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’ve been strong for too long without enough support. Take care of your mind the same way you’d take care of a tired body. Rest. Recharge. Then keep going—at your own pace.
14. Girls are 2x more likely than boys to feel bad about their grades after seeing others’ results online
The silent struggle of smart girls — and how to build back their belief
This stat is powerful—and painful. Girls are twice as likely as boys to feel bad about their own grades after seeing someone else’s results online.
That means for every boy who feels discouraged, there are two girls silently questioning their intelligence. Why? Because many girls are raised to believe they need to be perfect. And when perfection slips—even a little—they blame themselves.
Girls tend to internalize failure more. If they get a bad grade, they don’t just think, “That was a hard test.” They think, “Maybe I’m not smart.” And when they see someone else post a perfect score, that little voice gets louder: “Why couldn’t I do that?”
Social media makes this even worse. It’s filled with posts that show the best moments—awards, celebrations, scores, success. And while boys may shrug it off, girls are more likely to compare and doubt themselves quietly. This can lead to low confidence, high anxiety, and even giving up.
If you’re a parent, talk to your daughter about how she feels when she sees others’ success online. Don’t just say “you’re smart.” Say, “I see how hard you try,” or “I love how curious you are.” Help her build an identity around effort and curiosity, not just perfect results.
If you’re a teacher, lift up the quiet strugglers. Don’t just celebrate the top grade—celebrate the girl who asked a hard question, who stayed after class, who helped a friend. Let every student feel seen for more than just scores.
If you’re a student and you’ve ever felt small after seeing someone else’s success, stop and remind yourself: you don’t see their full story. You don’t know how long they studied. You don’t know if they cried the night before. You only see the end result.
You are not less smart. You are growing. You are learning. You are becoming. And no grade—no post—can measure how much you’re truly capable of.
15. Social comparison contributes to 25% of school-related depressive symptoms
When looking at others leads to feeling low — and how to lift students up
School should be a place of growth, discovery, and hope. But for many students, it’s also a place of stress—and a lot of that stress comes from looking at others. This stat reveals that 25% of depressive symptoms related to school come from social comparison.
That’s a quarter of all school-linked sadness, anxiety, or low mood tied directly to how students measure themselves against peers.
When students see others doing better, faster, or more confidently, it can make them feel like they’re falling behind—even if they’re not. They begin to question their abilities, their place, and even their worth.
Over time, that builds up into something much heavier than just a “bad day.” It becomes emotional pain. And sadly, many students don’t talk about it.
These comparisons often feel silent and invisible. A student might not say out loud, “I feel worse because of someone else’s success,” but that’s exactly what’s happening. And the more it happens, the deeper the sadness becomes.
It’s not just about missing one goal—it’s about feeling like they’re not enough, no matter what they do.
If you’re a parent, take mental health as seriously as academic performance. Ask your child often: “How are you feeling about school?” not just “How are your grades?” Look for changes in mood, appetite, sleep, or social habits. Let them know that it’s okay to feel sad sometimes—and they never have to feel it alone.
If you’re a teacher, build mental health into your classroom culture. Talk openly about emotions. Share stories of struggle and success. Remind students that everyone has their hard days. That real success doesn’t come from never failing—it comes from standing back up.
If you’re a student, remember this: your mind is more important than any grade. If you feel like you’re carrying too much, talk to someone. A parent, a teacher, a friend, or a counselor. You don’t need to be strong all the time. You need to be honest. And healing starts with honesty.
You are more than a score. You are a whole person—with dreams, ideas, and feelings. And you deserve peace and support, not pressure.
16. 49% of students report that FOMO leads them to take on more academic load than they can handle
When trying to keep up becomes too much — and how to choose smarter, not more
This stat hits hard. Nearly half of students—49%—say they take on more than they can handle, just because they’re afraid of falling behind their peers. They sign up for advanced classes they don’t enjoy. They join extra activities they’re not excited about. They say “yes” to everything—not because they want to, but because they’re scared of saying “no.”
FOMO makes students believe they need to do everything. Be in every club. Take every hard subject. Join every competition. But that kind of pressure is not sustainable. It leads to stress, lack of sleep, poor grades, and emotional burnout. Worst of all, it makes learning feel like a burden instead of a joy.
Overloading is often seen as ambition. But when it’s driven by fear—not love for learning—it becomes toxic. And the students who suffer the most are usually the ones who care the most. They want to do well. They want to succeed. But they’re running themselves into the ground trying to keep up with others.
If you’re a parent, help your child build a schedule that balances challenge with rest. Ask, “Do you want to do this, or do you feel like you have to?” Give them permission to drop something if it’s too much. Help them understand that doing fewer things well is more powerful than doing many things poorly.
If you’re a teacher, guide students toward choices that match their interests and energy. Don’t praise busy-ness. Praise focus. Let them know it’s okay to say, “This is not for me.” Not every student needs to take the hardest path to prove their worth.
If you’re a student, take a deep breath. Look at your calendar. Ask yourself what activities make you feel excited—and which ones make you feel anxious. It’s okay to step back. It’s okay to change your mind. You are allowed to protect your energy.
Life is not a race. And real success isn’t about how many things you do—it’s about doing the right things with heart and purpose. Choose wisely. Choose what helps you grow. And don’t let fear be the boss of your future.
17. Over 75% of students say social media increases pressure to maintain perfect grades
When perfection becomes the goal — and how to shift toward progress instead
This is one of the most powerful stats yet: more than 75% of students say that social media makes them feel pressured to keep their grades perfect. Not good. Not improving. Perfect. That’s a heavy burden for any young person to carry.
Social media puts success on display in a way that makes it feel constant. When students scroll through stories of classmates acing tests, getting awards, or announcing scholarships, they don’t just see happy moments—they feel like they’re falling behind. Even students who are doing well can feel like it’s not enough if it’s not the best. That’s how perfectionism takes root.
Perfectionism may sound like a strength, but it’s not. It makes students afraid to try, afraid to fail, and even afraid to ask for help. Because if everything has to be perfect, there’s no room for mistakes. And without mistakes, there’s no real learning.
If you’re a parent, help your child reframe what success looks like. Talk about effort, progress, and trying new things—even if it means messing up. Share your own stories of failure and how they helped you grow. Let them know that perfect is not the goal—better is.
If you’re a teacher, make space for imperfect learning. When students get something wrong, treat it as a moment of curiosity, not judgment. Celebrate the questions that come from mistakes. Show students that learning is messy—and that’s okay.
If you’re a student, take the pressure off yourself. Social media is not real life. It’s highlights. Behind every perfect score is a late night, a missed hangout, or even a failure that wasn’t posted. You don’t need to be perfect. You need to keep going.
Try this: instead of aiming for a perfect grade, aim to understand one thing better each week. Just one thing. That’s how growth happens. One real step at a time.
18. Students who use social media for more than 3 hours/day are 50% more likely to report poor sleep, affecting attendance
When screen time steals sleep — and how to help students rest and recharge
This stat shows just how deeply social media can affect students—not just mentally, but physically. Students who spend more than three hours per day on social media are 50% more likely to have poor sleep. And that poor sleep leads directly to missed school, groggy mornings, low focus, and more stress.
Sleep is the foundation of learning. Without it, the brain can’t store memory properly. Students can’t focus in class. They feel irritable. They lose motivation. And over time, these small things build into bigger problems—like skipping school, falling behind, or zoning out even when they’re present.
The problem with social media is that it doesn’t have an “off” switch. One video leads to another. One scroll turns into an hour. And even after putting the phone down, the brain is still racing. Bright screens and fast content keep the mind active when it should be winding down. That’s why so many students lie in bed, eyes wide open, trying to sleep but unable to.
If you’re a parent, set a “screens off” time for the house—especially on school nights. Make it a family rule, not a punishment. Help your child replace screen time with something relaxing: reading, listening to calm music, or even chatting with you. Sleep is not a luxury—it’s fuel for success.
If you’re a teacher, talk to your students about the link between sleep and school performance. You might be surprised at how many of them have no idea how important sleep is for memory and attention. Just a short classroom discussion can plant a life-changing seed.
If you’re a student, try putting your phone in another room 30 minutes before bed. Give yourself time to unplug—not just from your screen, but from the pressure of keeping up. Your brain needs quiet. Your body needs rest. And your goals need energy.
You don’t have to quit social media. But you do need to set boundaries. Because no post is worth trading your peace, your rest, or your dreams.
19. FOMO is linked to lower class participation in 35% of middle school students
When fear holds students back — and how to help them speak up
Class participation is more than just answering questions. It’s a sign of confidence, curiosity, and connection. But for many middle schoolers, FOMO and social comparison are stealing their voice. According to this stat, 35% of students in middle school say they participate less in class because of FOMO. That might sound odd—after all, FOMO is about missing out, right? But here’s how it works.
When students are afraid of looking “less smart” than their classmates, they stop raising their hand. They stay quiet. They hide what they don’t know. They watch others answer and silently compare themselves. FOMO doesn’t just make them fear missing fun—it makes them fear standing out in the wrong way.
And in middle school, where friendships are everything, no one wants to risk looking silly. So instead of engaging, they stay safe. But this kind of “safe” isn’t really safe. It keeps them from learning. It keeps them from growing. It keeps them from discovering what they’re capable of.
If you’re a parent, ask your child about class participation. Don’t just ask if they like school—ask if they feel confident speaking up. If they don’t, explore why. Is it the fear of being wrong? Embarrassment? Feeling behind? These clues can help you support them better.
If you’re a teacher, shift the focus from “right answers” to “real thinking.” Make it clear that participation isn’t about being correct—it’s about exploring ideas. Use phrases like “That’s an interesting thought” or “Great question.” Celebrate effort, not just outcome.
If you’re a student, remind yourself: asking a question doesn’t make you look dumb. It shows you care. And when you speak up, chances are, someone else in class is wondering the exact same thing but was too shy to say it. You’re not alone. And your voice matters.
Every time you participate, you’re building a skill that goes far beyond school. You’re learning how to think out loud, how to be brave, and how to believe in your own mind.
20. 43% of students say they pretend to understand lessons to keep up with peers
When pretending becomes a habit — and how to bring honesty back to learning
Almost half of students—43%—say they sometimes fake understanding in class. They nod along. They laugh at jokes they didn’t get. They write down notes without truly knowing what’s going on. Why? Because they don’t want to seem “slow” or “behind.” They want to blend in. They want to keep up appearances.
But the cost of pretending is high. When students act like they understand, they stop asking questions. They miss out on help. They build shaky knowledge on top of weak foundations. And by the time they realize they need support, they’re often already far behind.
This behavior is driven by social comparison. If everyone else looks like they get it, students feel embarrassed to be the one who doesn’t. But what they don’t realize is that many others are faking it too. Everyone’s just waiting for someone else to speak up.
If you’re a parent, teach your child that confusion is a normal part of learning. Share times when you didn’t understand something right away. Let them know that asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s wisdom. Build a home where curiosity is safe.
If you’re a teacher, make “I don’t get it” a welcome phrase in your classroom. Create moments where everyone is asked to reflect: “What part of this was tricky?” Normalize not knowing. Show students that smart learners ask lots of questions.
If you’re a student, be the brave one. Raise your hand. Say, “Can you explain that again?” You might think it’ll make you look less smart. But in truth, it makes you look real. And real is powerful.
Learning isn’t a performance. It’s a process. You don’t need to keep up with everyone else’s speed. You just need to keep going, honestly and openly. That’s how true understanding begins.
21. Students feeling left out academically are 3x more likely to skip homework
When falling behind leads to giving up — and how to reignite motivation
This one is heartbreaking: students who feel left out academically are three times more likely to skip homework. Not because they’re lazy. Not because they don’t care. But because they already feel like they’ve lost. Why bother trying when you believe you’re already behind?
That’s what academic exclusion feels like. It’s the quiet voice that says, “Everyone else understands this. I don’t.” Or, “I’m too far behind to catch up.” This kind of thinking is incredibly common when students compare themselves too much. If a student thinks everyone else is doing well, they start to feel like an outsider in their own classroom.
When that mindset takes hold, motivation disappears. Homework stops being a learning tool. It becomes a reminder of what they can’t do. So they avoid it. They push it off. Or they don’t even start. And the more they avoid, the further behind they get.
If you’re a parent, ask about homework struggles gently. Instead of saying, “Why didn’t you do it?” try, “Was something confusing?” or “Can I help with a part of it?” Sometimes, students just need a small win—a question answered, a problem solved—to feel like they can get back on track.
If you’re a teacher, look for patterns in skipped work. Instead of assuming students don’t care, ask if they’re feeling lost. Offer a reset. A small-group review. A one-on-one check-in. One little moment of clarity can spark huge momentum.
If you’re a student, know this: skipping work doesn’t protect you—it only keeps you stuck. You don’t need to catch up all at once. Just take one step. Pick one question, one subject, one thing you can do. That’s how you rebuild confidence.
Everyone struggles at some point. You’re not behind—you’re on your way forward. And every time you try, you’re moving in the right direction.
22. FOMO-driven academic behavior is more common among high-achieving students (62%)
When doing well isn’t enough — and how even top students feel the pressure
You might think FOMO mostly affects struggling students. But this stat proves otherwise: 62% of high-achieving students say their academic behavior is shaped by FOMO. That means even students with high grades, top ranks, and awards feel scared of falling behind. In fact, they often feel it more.
Why? Because once students reach a certain level of success, they feel like they have something to lose. They fear slipping. They fear someone else catching up. They fear one bad grade will ruin their record, their image, or their future. So they keep pushing harder—not out of love for learning, but out of fear of falling.
This leads to overworking, perfectionism, and anxiety. It also creates an unhealthy identity: students start seeing themselves only as achievers. If they’re not at the top, who are they? That pressure steals the joy of learning. And worse—it can lead to quiet burnout that no one notices because the grades still look good.
If you’re a parent of a high-achieving student, check in more often than you think you need to. Ask how they’re really feeling. Praise their curiosity, not just their scores. Remind them that their value doesn’t depend on being the best.
If you’re a teacher, be careful not to only spotlight the top performers. Make room for growth stories, not just perfect scores. Show that learning is a journey, not a leaderboard.
If you’re a student who’s always done well, know this: you are allowed to rest. You are allowed to slow down. You don’t have to prove yourself over and over. You’ve already done so much. And you are more than your report card.
It’s okay not to win every time. What matters most is staying true to your love for learning, not the chase for perfect results.
23. 1 in 5 students said they enrolled in a hard course just because their friends did
When following the crowd feels safer — and how to help students choose for themselves
This stat says a lot about how much social pressure shapes academic choices. One in five students enrolled in a hard course not because they were excited about it, not because it matched their goals, but simply because their friends were doing it. That’s FOMO in full effect.
It’s easy to understand why. Nobody wants to feel left out. Students worry that if they’re not in the same class, they’ll miss out on shared experiences, jokes, projects, and the feeling of being part of something. So they say yes to classes that are too advanced, too fast, or just not right for them—because saying no feels like losing connection.
The problem is that classes are not social clubs. They require time, effort, and energy. And when a student ends up in a class they weren’t ready for, they can fall behind quickly. That turns into stress, self-doubt, and sometimes failure. Not because they couldn’t learn—but because they weren’t set up for success.
If you’re a parent, help your child make academic choices based on them, not their friends. Ask, “Do you like this subject?” “Does this class match your strengths?” “What are you curious about?” These are the questions that guide real growth—not just fitting in.
If you’re a teacher or school counselor, create space for honest course planning. Let students explore different options without judgment. Remind them that taking a class that fits their level isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a smart move.
If you’re a student, pause before choosing your classes. It’s okay to walk a different path. You won’t lose your friends over one class. And if you do, they weren’t true friends. The right path for you is the one where you can learn, grow, and feel strong.
It’s brave to choose for yourself. And in the long run, doing what fits you—not everyone else—is what will really take you far.
24. 33% of students say comparing grades online demotivates them to study
When seeing others succeed makes you stop trying — and how to get your drive back
It seems backward, right? You see someone else getting a great grade, and instead of feeling inspired, you feel like giving up. But that’s exactly what this stat shows: 33% of students say that seeing grades online actually makes them less motivated to study.
Here’s why. When students constantly see others doing well, it can create the illusion that success is easy. That everyone else is smarter. That no one else struggles. If you’ve been working hard and still not getting the results you want, that comparison can feel crushing. You start to think, “What’s the point?”
That’s when motivation dies—not because students don’t care, but because they’ve started to believe that their effort doesn’t matter. That’s a lie, but it feels real. And over time, it steals the will to even try.
If you’re a parent, talk to your child about how social media shapes their mindset. Ask what they’ve seen online about school or grades. If it’s hurting their confidence, encourage a break from those platforms. Or help them follow pages that focus on encouragement and growth—not just perfection.
If you’re a teacher, remind your students that success isn’t instant. It’s built step by step, mistake by mistake. Share stories of famous people who failed before they succeeded. Make it clear that trying—even when it’s hard—is always worth it.
If you’re a student, reclaim your power. Block or mute the accounts that make you feel like giving up. Follow your own pace. Write down one small win every day, no matter how tiny. Maybe you solved a hard math problem. Maybe you finished your notes. Maybe you just showed up—that’s huge.
Motivation doesn’t come from being the best. It comes from seeing progress, feeling purpose, and believing that your effort matters. And it does. More than you know.
25. 48% of students feel pressure to be “the best” in class due to social media posts
When the need to be the best becomes a burden — and how to bring back balance
Nearly half of students—48%—say they feel pressure to be the best in class because of what they see on social media. Not just good. Not improving. The best. This is more than just academic competition—it’s emotional survival in a world that praises performance and perfection.
On social media, students don’t just see test scores—they see highlight reels. Pinned awards. Photos of certificates. Celebratory posts from parents. Posts that say, “She’s the smartest in her class!” or “Top marks again!” It’s loud. It’s constant. And for many students, it creates an unspoken rule: If you’re not winning, you’re falling behind.
That’s why even confident students start chasing first place. Not because they want to learn more—but because they’re afraid of being invisible. But here’s the truth: that pressure doesn’t lead to true growth. It leads to stress, fear of failure, and disconnection from the real purpose of education—learning.
If you’re a parent, be mindful of what you share online about your child’s success. Celebrate effort just as much as outcomes. If you post about a great grade, try also posting about a struggle they overcame. Show the whole story, not just the shiny ending.
If you’re a teacher, focus on praising individual growth, not just class rank. Let students set personal goals. When they hit them, celebrate that. Teach them that being their best matters more than being the best.
If you’re a student, hear this clearly: you don’t have to be #1 to be successful. Your journey is not a contest. It’s a story—and your story is valid, whether it’s fast, slow, quiet, or messy. Focus on doing your best work, not someone else’s version of it.
Being great doesn’t mean beating everyone. It means growing, trying, and staying true to yourself—even when the world is watching.
26. Students who constantly compare academic achievements are 29% more likely to develop impostor syndrome
When success still feels like failure — and how to rebuild real confidence
This one’s surprising, but it makes so much sense. Students who always compare their academic achievements to others are 29% more likely to develop impostor syndrome. That’s the feeling of being a fraud—even when you’re doing well.
Impostor syndrome whispers things like, “You only got lucky,” or “You’re not really smart—they just haven’t figured it out yet.” And even when students get great grades, win awards, or do something amazing, they don’t feel proud. They feel panicked. Like they have to keep pretending they know what they’re doing.
Why does this happen? Because constant comparison creates a false picture. No matter how well a student does, there’s always someone doing more. Scoring higher. Posting sooner. So their own success stops feeling like a success—it feels like a fluke.
If you’re a parent, talk to your child about this kind of self-doubt. When they do well, don’t just say, “Good job.” Say, “You earned that. I saw your hard work.” Help them own their effort—not just their result.
If you’re a teacher, watch for high-performing students who downplay their wins. Say things like, “You really earned that grade,” or “Your thinking here was sharp.” Help them believe that their success is real—and deserved.
If you’re a student, here’s a truth to hold close: you are not pretending. You are learning. You are improving. You are building something real. And no one “accidentally” becomes capable—it comes from showing up, trying, failing, and growing.
Impostor syndrome lies to you. Don’t believe it. You belong in every room you walk into. And your success is not luck—it’s the result of your courage, effort, and growth.
27. 55% of students report they’ve cried after comparing test results with peers
When a grade breaks your heart — and how to help students build emotional resilience
This stat hits hard: more than half of students—55%—say they’ve cried after comparing their test results with someone else’s. That’s not about failing. That’s about feeling like a failure, even when they might’ve done fine. And it shows just how powerful and painful academic comparison can be.
Grades are often tied to a student’s identity. When they see someone else scoring higher, their mind doesn’t just say, “They did well.” It says, “I’m not good enough.” That kind of thinking runs deep. And for many students, it brings up tears, frustration, and even shame.
The worst part is that this often happens quietly. A student might smile and say, “I’m fine,” while holding back tears. They might act like they don’t care—but deep inside, they’re hurting. All because one number made them feel less than someone else.
If you’re a parent, help your child untangle grades from their self-worth. If they cry after a test, don’t say “It’s just a grade.” Say, “Tell me what’s hurting.” Let them feel it. Then help them move through it. Remind them: one test doesn’t define them. And neither does someone else’s success.
If you’re a teacher, normalize emotional reactions. When you return test results, make time to check in. Allow students to write reflections. “How did this test make you feel?” is just as important as “What did you get right?” This small shift helps students process, not just perform.
If you’re a student, know this: tears don’t make you weak. They make you human. It’s okay to be disappointed. But don’t let that feeling stay forever. Ask for help. Review the test. Try again. One bad moment doesn’t cancel all your potential.
Your value is never based on comparison. It’s based on your courage, your effort, and your heart.
28. FOMO contributes to a 15% higher risk of truancy in middle school students
When fear drives students away — and how to bring them back
This stat is alarming: students in middle school who experience strong FOMO are 15% more likely to become truant—meaning they skip school without permission. That’s not just missing a day here or there. It’s repeated, intentional absence. And it’s not because they don’t care—it’s because they’re overwhelmed.
FOMO creates emotional overload. When students feel like they’re constantly behind, outshined, or outside of the “in” group, school stops feeling safe. They might think, “Why go if I’m just going to feel worse?” So they stay home. They avoid it. They escape. And slowly, learning slips further and further away.
This is especially common in middle school, where students are still figuring out who they are. They’re sensitive. Social dynamics are shifting. Friendships are forming and breaking daily. When academics are added to that pressure, even strong students can start to fold.
If you’re a parent, pay attention to patterns. If your child starts skipping school more often, ask what’s really going on. Be gentle. Don’t jump to punishment. Behind every “I don’t want to go” is usually a deeper pain. Maybe it’s embarrassment. Maybe it’s fear. Maybe it’s feeling invisible. Get curious, not angry.
If you’re a teacher or school leader, build systems that catch kids before they drift too far. Create support groups. Offer check-ins. Show students that school is a place of care, not just rules. The goal isn’t just to get them back in the building—it’s to help them feel like they belong there.
If you’re a student, skipping school might feel like relief—but it’s temporary. The real peace comes from facing what scares you, slowly and with support. You don’t have to fix everything at once. Just take one brave step back toward connection, learning, and hope.
You deserve an education. You deserve to feel safe while getting it. And you’re not alone in this.
29. Students in competitive academic environments experience 40% more FOMO-related stress
When school becomes a pressure cooker — and how to cool it down
This stat speaks volumes: students in highly competitive academic environments experience 40% more stress caused by FOMO than those in more relaxed learning spaces. In simple words, the more pressure there is to “be the best,” the more students fear missing out—and the heavier that fear feels.
In competitive schools, the pace is fast. The bar is high. Students are constantly aware of who’s ahead, who’s behind, and who’s getting into the best universities. There’s talk of test scores, ranking, and resumes—sometimes more than actual learning. It turns education into a race. And for many students, that race isn’t exciting. It’s exhausting.
This stress doesn’t just stay in the classroom. It follows students home. Into their bedrooms. Into their dreams. It affects sleep, appetite, focus, and even health. Students in these environments often look successful on the outside, but inside, many are anxious, overwhelmed, and unsure of themselves.
If you’re a parent, check in regularly—even if your child seems fine. High-achieving environments can mask pain. Ask about their stress levels, not just their results. Teach them how to take breaks. Let them know it’s okay to be great—but not at the cost of their well-being.
If you’re a teacher or school administrator, remember: challenge doesn’t have to equal chaos. You can maintain high standards while also prioritizing mental health. Build wellness into your schedule. Make space for creativity, community, and rest. Show students that balance is part of success—not the opposite of it.
If you’re a student, give yourself permission to breathe. You don’t need to match anyone else’s timeline. You don’t need to prove yourself with every assignment. Focus on learning deeply, not performing constantly. And remember: real success isn’t just what you achieve. It’s how you feel when you get there.
You can still dream big. Just don’t let the dream crush you.
30. 1 in 3 students admits they would rather get a lower grade than be seen asking for help in front of classmates
When pride blocks progress — and how to create safer spaces to learn
Let’s close with a stat that speaks directly to courage: 1 in 3 students says they would rather get a lower grade than be seen asking for help in front of others. That’s one-third of students choosing silence over support—just to avoid judgment.
Why? Because asking for help is often seen as weakness. Especially in classrooms where everyone’s trying to seem smart. No one wants to be the “dumb one.” No one wants to raise their hand and admit they’re lost. So instead, they stay quiet. They fall behind. And they carry that confusion until it turns into failure.
This is a painful kind of pride. It’s not arrogance—it’s fear. Fear of what others will think. Fear of looking less than. Fear of not fitting in.
If you’re a parent, model asking for help. Show your child that it’s a strength. If you don’t know something, say it. Look it up together. Celebrate the moment. Teach them early that smart people ask smart questions.
If you’re a teacher, make it normal—and safe—to ask for help. Say things like, “If you’re stuck, you’re not alone,” or “Great learners always ask.” Offer anonymous question boxes. Hold open office hours. Show your students that your classroom is a place for curiosity, not just confidence.
If you’re a student, here’s a truth to hold close: asking for help is not a weakness. It’s the smartest thing you can do when you’re stuck. The bravest people are not the ones who get it all right—they’re the ones who raise their hand and say, “I want to understand.”
You don’t have to carry confusion quietly. You don’t have to pretend to know everything. The path to success starts with a question. And you have every right to ask it.
Conclusion
FOMO and social comparison are no longer just side effects of growing up in a digital world—they are core issues shaping how kids learn, how they feel, and how they show up in school. From skipping homework to enrolling in the wrong classes, from missing sleep to pretending to understand, these pressures are real. But they’re also solvable.