The lawsuit, filed one year ago, targets companies including Snapchat, Meta and TikTok, alleging they designed intentionally addictive platforms while knowing the risks to young users.

• Nearly 800 school districts across the country are included in this lawsuit.
• The lawsuit claims social media companies prioritized profits over safety measures that could protect young users from harmful content.
• Hundreds of districts nationwide involved in the legal action report allocating more resources to address anxiety, depression and behavioral issues they believe are linked to social media use.

A mother, licensed counselor and founder of a non-profit organization, Tessa Stuckey, is a vocal advocate for change. She believes social media companies have created products that are intentionally designed to be addictive, while knowing the risks to young users. “Unfortunately, they already know how detrimental this is for our kids”. Stuckey emphasizes that excessive screen time is linked to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. In 2015, Stuckey wrote a book, “For the Sake of Our Youth: A Therapist’s Perspective on Raising Your Family in Today’s Culture”. The book highlights the struggles that today’s youth face in our current culture. In 2022, Stuckey created the non-profit organization, Look Up, aimed at supporting families who are searching for practical tools and resources to help them navigate the challenges of screens and social media. “I limit screen time in my own home and point to research showing connections between excessive screen time and mental health issues,” Stuckey said. The lawsuit claims these social media platforms are intentionally making things more addictive so that kids get addicted or they’re exposed to harmful content. This includes cyberbullying, predators, and viral trends that are extremely dangerous. Stuckey points to research that shows connections between excessive screen time and mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide amongst young people between the ages of 10-23. “They are intentionally making things more addicting so that kids get addicted or they’re exposed to harmful content.” Stuckey emphasizes that social media companies should be held accountable for potential harm to children using their platforms. Belkis Clarke-Mitcham, a mother of two daughters ages four and eight, has observed concerning changes in her children’s behavior related to technology use. She believes technology grooms our kids in ways that’s a little bit scary, and has seen an impact on their focus. “Technology grooms our kids in ways that’s a little bit scary. I’ve seen it impact their focus. When she’s on the screen more, there’s less creativity.”
Clarke-Mitcham limits her daughters’ screen time to about two hours daily, after completing schoolwork, and is concerned that excessive social media exposure prevents children from developing essential life skills. “I don’t demonize technology, like I said, but I don’t think we ought to let it hijack our lives and the lives of our kids. And it runs a very high risk of doing that.”
Both Stuckey and Clarke-Mitcham believe social media companies should be held accountable for potential harm to children using their platforms.

While CCISD joins dozens of other school districts in the lawsuit, many experts suggest solutions begin with parental involvement and setting boundaries at home. “If they are going to be these tech moguls, then why not use it for good.” Stuckey emphasizes the importance of social media companies taking responsibility for their products and their impact on children’s mental health. Stuckey’s work is not alone, with many experts and organizations working to raise awareness about the dangers of social media and promote healthier digital habits among young people. “We need to have a conversation about the role of social media in our children’s lives. We need to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them.” Dr. Sherry Turkle, a psychologist and author, said in an interview with The New York Times. “Parents need to be more mindful of what their children are doing on social media and set clear boundaries and expectations. Children need to learn how to use social media responsibly and critically.” Dr. Michelle Levine, a psychologist and expert on digital media, said in an interview with Forbes. While the issue is complex, it is clear that social media companies have a responsibility to protect young users and ensure that their platforms are safe and healthy for children. As the debate continues, it is essential that we prioritize the well-being of our children and work together to create a safer and more responsible digital landscape.