"They’re fewer than 5 percent of all the parents you deal with, but they take up 95 percent of your time," a counselor says of angry moms and dads.

"Just as we had 'Big Tobacco' we now have 'Big Tech' exploiting children," said one attorney representing the San Mateo Board of Education. The 107-page lawsuit alleges that social media companies knowingly use AI and machine learning to deliver damaging content to students.

The concept is that if students are kind to each other and there is less bullying and fighting on school property, the administration will dole out a series of rewards.

The mounting challenges principals face are producing some conflicting numbers: While 94% are generally satisfied with their job, half say stress is so high they might just change careers or retire.