Parents take on Meta, TikTok, Google, and Snap in 3,000 youth safety lawsuits
More than 3,000 lawsuits have been filed against Meta, TikTok, Google, and Snap, claiming their social media platforms were designed in ways that can keep young people hooked and contribute to mental health and safety problems. The cases highlight growing concern that these apps may be harming children and teens through excessive use and harmful content exposure.
Who is at risk
Children and teenagers who spend significant time on social media, especially those showing signs of stress, sleep loss, anxiety, or withdrawal, are most at risk.
What to watch for
Watch for sudden mood changes, secrecy about phone use, loss of sleep, falling grades, social withdrawal, or unusually strong reactions when access to apps is limited.
What to do
Review your child’s social media use today, turn on built-in parental controls and time limits, and start a calm conversation about what they are seeing and how it makes them feel.