The impact of social media on children’s mental health has long been a subject of global debate, with some countries, including Australia, introducing restrictions on social media use for children under 16. Now, parents in the United States are seeking to prove in court that major technology companies are aware of the harm their platforms pose to children but have failed to take meaningful action, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The first of several high-profile lawsuits against Meta, TikTok and YouTube is set to begin this week at the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The cases will examine whether social media platforms contribute to mental health challenges among children and teenagers.
At the centre of the legal battle is a lawsuit filed on behalf of a teenage girl who alleges that prolonged use of multiple social media platforms throughout her childhood led to anxiety and depression. The case is one of dozens filed across the US since 2022, accusing tech companies of deliberately designing algorithms to encourage addictive behaviour and keep young users engaged for longer periods.
The companies have denied the allegations, arguing that the lawsuits are based on user-generated content, for which they say they are not legally responsible.
During the proceedings, the Los Angeles court is expected to consider whether social media use is linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts among children. While some studies have found no clear, direct connection — noting that children with the most severe mental health issues often spend less time online — experts caution that the relationship is complex and requires further research.
If successful, the lawsuits could have far-reaching implications, potentially compelling technology companies to redesign social media platforms or expanding their legal liability for harm suffered by users.
