What these lawsuits are about
The lawsuits claim that features such as endless feeds, autoplay, likes and constant notifications were designed to keep young people scrolling, and that the companies did not warn families about the risks. They name Meta (Instagram and Facebook), Google (YouTube), Snap (Snapchat) and TikTok. Many are product liability claims, which argue that a product was designed in an unreasonably dangerous way or sold without adequate warnings.
The companies deny the claims. They point to tools they have built for teens and parents and argue that young people's mental health has many causes that cannot be traced to a single app.
Who may be affected
Claims have been filed by young people and their parents, by hundreds of school districts and by state attorneys general. Most individual claims involve people who started using the apps as children or teens and later struggled with problems the lawsuits describe, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders or self-harm.
School districts claim they have had to spend more on counseling and other services. States have brought consumer protection claims on behalf of their residents.
What research shows
In a 2023 national survey analyzed by the CDC, about 77 percent of U.S. high school students said they used social media several times a day or more. Those frequent users were more likely to report being bullied, feeling persistently sad or hopeless, and having seriously considered suicide.
The CDC notes that a survey like this shows links, not cause and effect. Researchers are still studying how much social media itself contributes to these problems, and for whom. If someone is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Where things stand (as of October 2026)
Federal cases are gathered before a judge in Oakland, California, with about 3,800 pending on October 1, 2026. More cases are coordinated in California state court in Los Angeles.
In March 2026 a Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube negligent in the design or operation of their platforms and awarded one young woman $6 million. Both companies have appealed. TikTok and Snap settled with her before trial. More trials were scheduled in Los Angeles for late 2026 and 2027.
In May 2026 the companies settled the first federal school district case, from Kentucky, before it reached trial. In August 2026 Meta agreed to a proposed settlement with state attorneys general of about $17 billion paid over 10 years, plus changes for teen accounts such as daily time limits and no push notifications during school hours. It needs court approval.
Deadlines and what to gather
Statutes of limitations, the legal deadlines for filing a lawsuit, differ by state, and many states have special rules for young people. Because the rules are complicated, it is worth checking early.
- A timeline of which apps were used, starting at what age and for how many hours a day
- Medical and counseling records, including diagnoses and hospital visits
- School records, such as attendance changes or discipline reports
- Screenshots of screen-time reports or account settings, if available
- Notes on changes in sleep, mood or behavior and when they started
Talking to a lawyer
A licensed attorney who handles product injury cases can explain whether a family's situation fits these lawsuits, what the 2026 settlements mean and which deadlines apply in your state. Your state bar's lawyer referral service can help you find one.
These lawyers usually work on a contingency fee, a written agreement that the fee is a percentage of any recovery. Ask about the percentage and costs, and how a child's recovery would be handled, since courts often must approve settlements for minors.
