NYC education official says social media is responsible for spike in sexual misconduct cases

Added: 2026-05-23

[00:00:00]New this morning, the watchdog for New York City's Department of Education says there's been a spike in misconduct cases inside New York City schools.

[00:00:07]>> This morning, investigative reporter Masa Saidi reveals the red flags every parent needs to know, starting with your child's phone.

[00:00:16]For 8 years, Anastasia Coleman has been the special commissioner of investigation for the New York City School District. Her office is the DOE watchdog, reviewing thousands of complaints. Everything from fraud and vendor misconduct to missing students and inappropriate relationships. She says the vast majority of educators have the children's best interests in mind.

[00:00:39]But there are occasionally some bad apples. So, how often is there inappropriate or sexual misconduct by a school employee or vendor? In 2023, Coleman's office substantiated 43 cases.

[00:00:52]The following year, 34 cases. In 2025, the number spiked to 62 cases. Coleman says the biggest risk factor is social media. I would tell them also not to add adults to their social media.

[00:01:08]Right now, the DOE has guidance saying staff should not connect with students on social media, but the practice is not banned. A DOE spokesperson says when misconduct is substantiated, the district takes action immediately, up to and including termination. But Coleman's office has formally recommended the DOE go further. It's a shouldn't, and we say you must not. Coleman says pay attention to unexplained gifts. Know who your child is talking to, including through games and messaging apps. And finally, do not let them share their social media handles with adults. I'm Masa Saidi, CBS News New York.