Multiple families have been pursuing lawsuits against social media companies because they allegedly harm their children. Research has shown that social media use can increase teenagers’ and children’s likelihood of engaging in harmful behavior. Eating disorders, isolation, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts or actions have been linked to social media use and pressure.
Parents Sue Meta Over Their Daughter’s Eating Disorder and Self-Harm
Parents of a preteen girl from New York recently brought a lawsuit against Meta. They allege that their daughter’s addictive use of Instagram caused her to develop an eating disorder. They also alleged that she developed self-harm practices and suicidal thoughts over several years. The alleged victim created an Instagram account when she was 11 without her parent’s knowledge. The account was created in violation of Meta’s minimum age requirement of 13. The complaint also alleges that the girl constantly has to fight to stay in recovery.
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Meta Has Admitted That They Know of Potential Harm to Teens
Meta Platforms, Inc., previously known as Facebook, Inc., is considered one of the largest information technology companies. The company generates billions of dollars in ad revenue; most of its revenue comes from advertisements. Questions related to how ethical it is for companies like Meta to use algorithms to target minors continue to arise. Meta has come under fire recently for allegedly targeting minors with harmful content. A former Facebook employee named Frances Haugen testified at a U.S. Senate committee that “Facebook knows that they are leading young users to anorexia content.”
The Wall Street Journal published multiple documents, called The Facebook Papers, that indicated that the company may have known about the harm to children they could be perpetuating. The papers included research showing that Instagram worsened body image issues in one out of every three teenagers. Documents also review internal discussions between Meta employees about how to conceal information that their applications promote self-harm and anorexia. Based on the documents, it appears that Meta, Instagram’s parent company, did not take action to stop the problems they were exacerbating. As a result of the release of documents, several attorneys general offices are investigating the company.
What Does This Mean for My Child?
As more parents come forward and discuss the negative consequences their children have suffered due to using Meta social media applications, you may be wondering what this means for your child. If you believe your child may have suffered harm because of Facebook, Instagram, or another social media app, you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. As a potential plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit, you only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for compensation.
The attorneys at Heninger Garrison Davis are prepared to carefully listen to the facts in your case and help you understand your legal options. If you have a valid compensation claim, we will immediately begin investigating your case and gathering evidence to bolster your claim.
Do I Have a Valid Legal Case?
If you are a parent or guardian and you have discovered your child has been harmed by using social media, it is natural for you to want justice. You likely want to hold the responsible party accountable for harming your child. If your child has suffered any of the following negative impacts of using Meta products, you may have a valid claim for compensation:
- Attempted suicide
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self-harm
- Eating disorders
- Suicidal ideations
The team of personal injury attorneys at Heninger Garrison Davis have decades of experience evaluating claims and fighting for the rights of personal injury victims. Your child’s case may be eligible for compensation through a lawsuit against the at-fault party if your child:
- Started using Instagram or Facebook as a minor
- Is active on these platforms for over three hours a day
- Has received professional counseling
- Has no prior history of mental illness
Get Help From an Alabama Personal Injury Today
Going up against a large company like Meta may seem overwhelming. However, when it comes to a child’s health and safety, it is important that parents hold them accountable. The skilled litigators at Heninger Garrison Davis have extensive trial experience and are prepared to level the playing field. We understand that the process of pursuing compensation may seem insurmountable. We will walk you through the process while answering questions and helping you make informed decisions. Contact Heninger Garrison Davis today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation.
