The world’s largest social media companies, including Meta and YouTube, are facing significant legal challenges this year regarding their impact on children’s mental health. Opening arguments in a landmark trial begin this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court, where claims suggest that these platforms intentionally design features that addict children and exacerbate mental health issues. Sacha Haworth, executive director of the Tech Oversight Project, stated: “This was only the first case — there are hundreds of parents and school districts… bringing Big Tech to court.” The case centers on a 19-year-old, referred to as “KGM,” whose experiences may influence numerous similar lawsuits. The outcome could reshape how these companies manage child users and may challenge their legal protections under the First Amendment and Section 230.
