Schools in Canada Sue Social Media Platforms
The boards of the four largest schools in Ontario, Canada, announced that they are suing TikTok, Meta, and SnapChat, alleging that these social media platforms are disrupting student learning. The lawsuit claims that platforms like Facebook and Instagram, designed for compulsive use, have reprogrammed the way children think, behave, and learn, leaving teachers to deal with the consequences.
Rachel Chernos, a trustee of the Toronto District School Board, reported that teachers and parents are observing significant issues such as social withdrawal, anxiety, attention problems, cyberbullying, and mental health issues among students. Chernos stated, “These companies have intentionally created addictive programs targeted at young people, causing significant harm, and we can no longer remain silent about it.” Several U.S. states, including California and New York, are also suing Meta Platforms Inc., accusing it of harming young people and contributing to a mental health crisis by deliberately designing Instagram and Facebook features that addict children to their platforms. The Canadian school boards are seeking damages exceeding 4 billion Canadian dollars (US$2.9 billion) for the disruption to student learning and the education system.
Tonya Johnson, a spokesperson for Snap Inc., defended the company by saying Snapchat helps users stay connected with their friends. Duncan Embury, a lawyer representing the boards, mentioned a real addiction issue with the designed algorithms. Embury emphasized the need for appropriate warnings, changes in age restrictions, and increased resources for school boards to adapt to the new reality. He criticized the companies for knowingly and negligently designing their products to maximize the time young people spend on their platforms at the expense of their well-being and education.