Ontario School Boards Sue Social Media Companies for $4.5 Billion

The lawsuits allege that platforms like Facebook and Instagram disrupt student learning and harm mental health.

Four major Ontario school boards are suing social media giants Meta, Snap Inc., and ByteDance for $4.5 billion, alleging their platforms disrupt student learning.
The lawsuits claim that platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are designed for compulsive use, negatively impacting students' mental health and education.
School boards seek damages for the disruption to student learning and the education system, citing increased administrative and mental health support costs.
Social media companies defend their platforms, with Snap Inc. highlighting Snapchat's design to help users feel connected and prepared for adolescence.
The lawsuits follow similar actions in the U.S., where over 30 states have sued Meta for harming young people's mental health.