School district sues social media giants over children’s mental health issues

KARAH RUCKER: A MARYLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IS SUING FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, SNAPCHAT, AND YOUTUBE – CLAIMING THE SOCIAL MEDIA GIANTS AND BIG TECH ARE PARTIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR A WORSENING MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS AND RISE IN BULLYING AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN.

THE LAWSUIT ALLEGES THAT SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANIES DESIGNED THEIR PLATFORMS WITHOUT TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE CONSEQUENCES ON A CHILD’S MENTAL HEALTH.

THE LAWSUIT STATES SOCIAL MEDIA HAS PLAYED A ROLE IN THE RISE IN EATING DISORDERS, DEPRESSION, AND SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AMONG TEENAGERS.

“PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS” FILED THE 200 PAGE LAWSUIT —

WHICH YOU CAN READ IN FULL ON STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS DOT COM.

JUDY MICKENS — THE SCHOOL BOARD CHAIR — SAID IN A STATEMENT QUOTE:

“Unfortunately, students in our district and throughout the nation are confronting unparalleled mental health and learning challenges caused by their addiction to social media. It is imperative that these companies take responsibility for their role in this crisis affecting our youth.”

THE LAWSUIT DOESN’T SPECIFY THE AMOUNTS OF DAMAGES – HOWEVER THE DISTRICT IS SEEKING FINANCIAL COMPENSATION FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES THEY PROVIDE. IN A STATEMENT TO FOX 5 – GOOGLE RESPONDED TO THE LAWSUITS ALLEGATIONS CALLING THE COMPLAINTS “SIMPLY NOT TRUE.”