More than 200 school districts nationwide are suing social media companies, alleging the platforms’ addictive apps are harming youth mental health and forcing schools to devote more resources to help them.

A year ago, Seattle Public Schools sued companies that operate Facebook and Instagram (Meta), TikTok (ByteDance), SnapChat (Snap) and YouTube (Google). Since then, more than 200 school districts have sued the major social media companies.

School districts are asking for money and for platforms to change their practices, such as using addictive algorithms. They contend social media is making students more anxious and depressed and more likely to act out, necessitating more staff and training. Social media challenges have led to damage in buildings, too.

“Most of these [lawsuits] are as much about legal success as they are about shaping issues and winning in the court of public opinion,” said Chris Thomas, a University of Florida assistant professor.

State and federal lawmakers are considering bills to significantly restrict children’s social media access. New York Attorney General Letitia James and Gov. Kathy Hochul have sponsored UFT-supported state legislation to ban addictive social media feeds for children.

Education Week, Jan. 31