What the Tech: Will the landmark verdicts against social media giants cause change?
BY JAMEY TUCKER, Consumer Tech Reporter
Two major court decisions this week are putting new pressure on social media companies and how they protect children.
In New Mexico, a jury ordered Meta to pay $375 million, finding the company failed to protect children on its platforms. The case centered in part on whether Meta did enough to prevent harmful interactions, including contact from strangers.
Then, just 24 hours later in California, another jury ordered Meta and Google to pay $3 million to a woman who said social media contributed to her addiction as a child.
Together, the cases highlight growing concerns about both safety and mental health risks tied to social media use.
Meta says it plans to appeal the New Mexico ruling. It is unclear whether the company will challenge the California verdict.
“This will get their attention.” Holly Grosshans with Common Sense Media says these verdicts could mark a turning point.
“I think this verdict is going to show these companies that they can’t rely on their PR people anymore to spin,” Grosshans said. “When we hear the horrible things that are happening to kids, they actually have to make some real change.”
Advocates say social media companies have faced criticism for years over how they protect young users, especially when it comes to contact from strangers.
“You would never allow your kids to interact in a private room with strangers in real life,” Grosshans said. “But that’s what’s happening every single day online.”
What Instagram has changed
Meta has introduced new safety features, especially on Instagram, where teens are more active.
Teen accounts now include:
● Private accounts by default
● Restrictions on messages from strangers
● Limits on sensitive content
● Parental supervision tools that allow families to monitor activity
These tools are designed to reduce risk, but critics say they do not go far enough.
“They announce these changes, but they’re really just band aids, a security blanket to make parents feel safe while kids are still on the platforms,” Grosshans said.
What parents should watch for
Even with new protections, experts say kids can still find ways around restrictions. Grosshans says the most effective protection still comes from parents staying involved.
“If they’re being secret about what they’re doing online, or showing anxiety or sleep disruption, those can all be signs something else is going on,” she said.
Experts recommend:
● Checking privacy and messaging settings
● Talking regularly about online activity
● Watching for changes in behavior
A growing number of lawsuits
These are not isolated cases.
There are dozens of lawsuits filed against social media companies across the country involving child safety, addiction, and mental health.
Grosshans says the message from juries is becoming clear. People are paying attention and expecting real change from the companies behind these platforms
