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Academic and health outcomes of online education for primary and secondary students: Evidence from COVID-19

Author

Listed:
  • Wang, Yueqin
  • Zhang, Chuanchuan
  • Zhang, Junsen

Abstract

Online education is rapidly expanding due to technological advancements and increased demand for quality education. However, its effectiveness and impact on student behavior are not well understood. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated online education and offered a unique opportunity to evaluate its effects. Using nationwide longitudinal survey data from China, we find that online education during the pandemic significantly diminished academic performance and worsened mental health outcomes, including increased depressive symptoms and decreased well-being. Our analysis explores four behavioral mechanisms: interpersonal needs and relationships, parent-child interactions, teacher-student dynamics, and time allocation. We demonstrate that online education reduces effective peer interaction, deteriorates self-reported interpersonal and familial relationships, and leads to inefficient time allocation. Students also substantially increased their entertainment internet use, including video watching and gaming. These factors contributed to declines in academic performance and mental health. Our findings underscore the critical role of social networks and time allocation in maximizing the benefits of online education.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Yueqin & Zhang, Chuanchuan & Zhang, Junsen, 2026. "Academic and health outcomes of online education for primary and secondary students: Evidence from COVID-19," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 54(1), pages 147-163.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcecon:v:54:y:2026:i:1:p:147-163
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jce.2025.09.001
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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