YouTube, Snap, TikTok settle school district lawsuit over youth mental health claims

Oakland: Alphabet’s YouTube, Snap, and TikTok have reached settlements in the first case set for trial in litigation that seeks to force social media platforms to cover costs school districts incur to combat a youth mental health crisis they say the companies fueled.

The settlements were detailed in court filings on Friday in federal court in Oakland, California. They resolve claims brought by a Kentucky school district.

The district is still set to take Facebook and Instagram parent Meta Platforms to trial on June 15, according to the filings.

Dozens of school districts nationwide have filed similar lawsuits, alleging that social media companies designed addictive platforms that contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among students. The cases argue that districts have borne increased costs for counseling, staff training, and other support services.