WEST JORDAN, Utah, July 29, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — The Jordan School District has been selected as one of the lead plaintiffs in a nationwide lawsuit targeting social media outlets Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Snapchat, according to an announcement made Monday by district spokeswoman Sandy Riesgraf.
“There is growing concern in Utah and across the country for the safety of students when it comes to social media use and the impact on their mental health and wellness,” the news release says. “That’s why school districts nationwide are now coming together in a federal multidistrict lawsuit against the largest social media companies: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat.”
The primary claims in the lawsuit are negligence and public nuisance, the statement says.
“This is based on the significant costs Jordan and other school districts have incurred as a result of the various harms that come from student use of social media, including the increased need for student mental health services.
“As one of twelve designated lead plaintiffs (also called bellwethers), Jordan could be selected by the court to go to trial. The result of Jordan’s case would likely influence the course and outcome for the other school districts.”
A website about the case states the following:
“Plaintiffs have alleged that the defendants’ social media platforms are defective because they are designed to maximize screen time, which can encourage addictive behavior in adolescents. As alleged, this conduct results in various emotional and physical harms, including death.”
Gephardt Daily will have additional information about the case as it develops.
