On Wednesday, a Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube negligent in the design and operation of their platforms. They determined that both companies knew their products posed dangers to minors, they failed to adequately warn users of the risks, and their conduct was a substantial factor in causing the plaintiff significant psychological harm, contributing to her mental health conditions, which included depression, body dysmorphia, and suicidal thoughts. This decision comes one day after a New Mexico jury concluded that Meta misled users about safety and failed to protect children from harm and exploitation.
“These verdicts reinforce what young people and families have been saying for years: These platforms are designed to keep young people hooked, and these products are harming many young people’s mental health,” said John MacPhee, JED’s CEO. “We are grateful to all the families, including those who have lost someone, who have come forward to bring cases like this to light. We also recognize the role of state leaders who are standing up for young people’s safety and mental health. Their courage has forced long-overdue accountability.”
These cases are part of a much broader reckoning, with thousands of similar lawsuits and young people, families, communities, and states demanding change. The harm is real, and the onus must be on the companies that design platforms to prevent it. There are clear solutions that we all can demand: enforceable standards, mandatory transparency, and protections for every young person online.
At JED, we remain committed to strengthening the systems that support youth mental health and suicide prevention nationwide. The safety and well-being of our young people must come first. Protecting them is not partisan, not optional, and not something to be deferred until after the damage is done. It is the measure of whether innovation serves society or erodes it, and the moment to choose is now.
If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone right now, text, call, or chat 988 for a free confidential conversation with a trained counselor 24/7.
You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741-741.
If this is a medical emergency or if there is immediate danger of harm, call 911 and explain that you need support for a mental health crisis.
