Meta lawsuit spotlights youth social media addiction concerns

Meta lawsuit spotlights youth social media addiction concerns

Here are steps that parents can take to help children unplug

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Four states are accusing Meta of designing Instagram and Facebook to be addictive for children as well as hiding what it knew about the risks.

The lawsuit, filed by California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey, also taps into a broader debate over how much data social media platforms collect from kids and whether they violate children’s online privacy laws. Meta has called the states’ demands “outlandish” and says it has a longstanding commitment to supporting young people.

While lawyers argue in court, families in Greenville say they’re dealing with the issue every day.

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A new World Health Organization report found that problematic social media use among young people is rising, increasing from 7% to 11% in four years. The report also found that about 13% show addictive behaviors.

Those behaviors can include withdrawals when not using social media, pulling away from in-person activities to scroll, struggling to log off and losing sleep. The report also links heavy use to falling behind at school and lower self-esteem tied to constant online comparison. It also notes high numbers of teenagers battling anxiety and depression.

Experts say it’s important to remember social media often reflects a curated version of someone’s life — what they want others to see.

There are steps families can take at home to help kids detach from their phones:

- Set device-free times, such as during dinner and the hour before bed.

- Keep phones out of bedrooms overnight.

- Use parental controls.

- Talk with kids about what they’re seeing online — not just how long they’re on screens.

Health experts also stress social media isn’t all bad — it can help teens feel connected — but the goal is making sure young people control the apps, instead of letting the apps control them.

The debate is also playing out in Washington. Last week, the U.S. House overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan online safety package that includes new safeguards for AI chatbots, disappearing messages, online gaming and children’s privacy.

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