Harford County schools sue social media giants for millions over child addiction claims

Harford County Schools is part of a significant federal court proceeding in Northern California, with a trial expected next year. The school system, along with others, claims they are owed millions in compensatory damages for harm caused by social media companies.

The Harford County Board of Education is suing platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. The lawsuit alleges these companies intentionally cause addiction among children and teens, leading to depression, anxiety, and, in severe cases, suicide.

“These are significant cases with significant injuries,” said Rob Jenner, a Baltimore-based attorney.

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Harford County is among the first to go to trial, chosen as one of six “bellwether” cases to test claims in the multi-district litigation, which includes filings by individuals, school districts, and state officials.

Jenner, who’s not involved in the case but is experienced in mass tort actions, emphasized the importance of being first to trial. “That’s how you get a feel for the liability aspect, that’s the way you get a feel for the causation aspect. And most importantly, it’s the way you get a feel for what the damages are,” said Jenner.

In Fallston, parents and residents are reacting to the lawsuit. Lois, a concerned parent, said, “For the children’s sake, I understand it. Social media is definitely out of hand. Their algorithms are definitely addictive to children.”

Laura, a Harford County resident, added, “We are designed to be social creatures but socially interacting in person and not isolated in a room talking to a device. And I think that in itself is damaging to young people.”

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However, not everyone agrees with the lawsuit. Tara Plantholt, another resident, said, “I don’t like it. I feel like that’s not their lane. I feel like it’s the parental lane. And the school board usually tends to want to get into parental lane and parents’ rights. And I believe the parents have the right to govern their kids.”

Matt Legg, representing Harford and about 80 other school districts in the litigation, explained the necessity of the lawsuit. “It’s an opportunity for school districts to both, send a message to these companies to change their behavior, but also recoup some of the losses they’ve had as a result of them,” said Legg.

Several Maryland school districts, including Baltimore City and Baltimore County, have joined the litigation. Although not part of the initial trials, officials told The Baltimore Sun they are “monitoring this first phase very closely.”