More than 40 school districts across the country are suing various social media companies including Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok over claims that their apps are one of the many causes of the student mental health crisis. The lawsuit also claims that the apps are purposefully “addictive” and have caused negative effects in schools and on government resources.
The lawsuits were consolidated into a nearly 300-page multidistrict claim which includes 235 plaintiffs. The claims seek unspecified monetary damages and look to require social media companies to provide clear warnings about the risks they pose to mental health as well as their addictive nature.
Social Media and Student Mental Health
Lexi Hazam, an attorney for the plaintiff’s consolidated complaint said, “Districts are often having to divert resources and time and effort from their educational mission in order to address the mental health crisis among their students. Students’ mental health struggles are largely caused by social media design features that are ‘deliberately set out to addict” our youth.”
Legal experts warn that although the mental health of students and teachers has reached a critical low point, a lawsuit like this could take years to resolve. The court will soon consider a motion to dismiss the case entirely. If the case proceeds, it will move into the discovery phase.
According to a report from the CDC, 60 percent of teens identified as depressed in 2021. The same report found that the number of high school females who experienced depression also jumped close to 20 percent over the course of one year. But whether or not these numbers are directly correlated with social media use is still up for debate.
A recent report from the American Phycological Association concluded that social media use is not inherently beneficial or harmful to youth, recognizing both the pros and cons of the apps.
Why Kokomo24/7®?
Kokomo24/7® understands the challenges faced by students as we have been helping schools implement their health, safety, and wellness initiatives since 2018. We know that part of the solution to issues such as declining student mental health and making schools safer is implementing solutions that can empower both staff and students to create a culture of safety.
Contact us to learn more about how we can help serve your school today.