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Social Media Litigation

Empowering Individuals to Protect Our Youth and Hold Social Media Companies Accountable

Frantz Law Group has already commenced litigation on behalf of over 800 school districts against Facebook, TikTok, Snap, YouTube as well as other social media companies. This lawsuit alleges that these companies have caused a mental health crisis among children and teenagers that is marked by higher proportions of anxiety, depression, and thoughts of self-harm, all of which severely affect their ability to succeed in school.

On 05/23/2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an additional advisory, amplifying concerns over the impact of social media on youth mental health in the United States. The advisory, detailed in the article titled “The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory,” underscores the growing crisis in youth mental health nationwide, attributing part of the escalation to social media. Citing findings from the CDC National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, the Surgeon General’s declaration highlights a staggering 60% increase in teen depression rates between 2011 and 2018.

Frances Haugen, a former Facebook product manager, testified before congress and revealed internal research by Facebook that showed the company was aware of how harmful their programs are to the mental health of child users, teenage girls in particular. However, they chose profits over the mental health of their users. You can read Ms. Haugen’s full statement to Congress HERE.

Many children and teenagers spend an inordinate amount of time scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and other social media platforms, where they are subjected to often harmful and exploitative content that encourages disordered eating, unhealthy social comparison, and cyberbullying.

As a result of this harmful content, students are experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Ultimately, students performing worse in school, are less likely to attend school, are more likely to engage in substance use and to act out, all of which directly affects school districts’ ability to fulfill its educational mission.

Our goal in this litigation is to not only hold these companies accountable but also obtain the necessary funding for districts for prevention education and mental health services.

TEENS AND SOCIAL MEDIA USE: WHAT'S THE IMPACT?

It’s important to understand the impact of social media on teenagers’ mental health, highlighting both the positive and negative effects. While social media can provide support and connection for teens, it also poses risks such as distraction, exposure to harmful content, and cyberbullying. Factors influencing the effects of social media on teens include the type of content they consume, the amount of time spent online, and their individual psychological and life circumstances. Here are tips for parents to help their teens use social media responsibly, including setting rules and limits, monitoring their accounts, and encouraging face-to-face interactions.

Parents can protect their teens by setting rules and limits, turning on privacy settings, monitoring their accounts, having regular discussions about social media, and encouraging face-to-face interactions with friends.
If teens exhibit concerning behaviors related to social media use, parents should seek guidance from healthcare professionals to address potential mental health concerns.

A PARENTS GUIDE TO SOCIAL MEDIA

Understand the complex relationship between social media and teenagers’ mental health, highlighting both the negative and positive impacts. While social media can exacerbate issues like depression and body image concerns, it also offers benefits such as support networks and educational opportunities. Parents are advised to set limits on social media use, encourage positive engagement, and engage in open conversations with their teens about their online experiences.

Social media is often portrayed negatively in the media due to its association with mental health issues like depression and disordered eating in teenagers.
The impact of social media on teens depends on factors such as their personality, usage habits, and the content they engage with.
While social media can worsen body image issues and expose teens to harmful content, it also provides opportunities for support, learning, and activism.
Parents are encouraged to set limits on social media use, promote positive usage, and engage in discussions with their teens about their online experiences and emotional well-being.

EXPERIENCE MATTERS

Over the past three years, Frantz Law Group attorneys and staff have been working tirelessly representing your district as well as nearly 1000 school districts across the country against JUUL Labs, Altria, and others, to hold them accountable for the youth vaping epidemic that is impacting our nation. As a result of these efforts, in December 2022, a proposed settlement was reached with JUUL Labs and its founders, directors, and board members. You can read further about the proposed settlement at this link:

JUUL agrees to pay $1.2 billion in youth-vaping settlement – Bloomberg News | Reuters

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