Social Media Firms Face Liability for Child Harm

In Los Angeles, a jury found Meta and Google negligent in a case brought by Kaley G.M. who alleged that social media platforms harmed her mental health and development. Kaley testified that extensive social media use beginning in childhood contributed to anxiety, depression, and body image issues.

The jury’s decision marks the first US case holding these companies responsible for platform design rather than user-posted content. The verdict follows increasing scrutiny of social media’s impact on children, including a 2024 US Senate hearing where Mark Zuckerberg apologized to parents of children harmed online.

Regulators in the US, Europe, and Australia have found platforms lacking in child safety measures and are implementing restrictions, like requiring parental consent for accounts. Pakistan is also considering a nationwide ban on social media for children under 16, but experts argue that stronger protections, including redesigned platforms, better moderation tools, and digital literacy programs, are needed to truly safeguard children. The focus is shifting from simply limiting access to holding platforms accountable for creating a safer online environment.