BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — The Burke County Board of Education voted unanimously to join a national class action lawsuit against major social media companies over the adverse impact platforms have on minors.
The legal proceeding, titled Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation, is pending in the Northern District of California. It seeks compensation for psychological trauma and health care costs resulting from platform usage, with Burke County becoming the latest school board to enlist in the suit.
The lawsuit targets several social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The lawsuit claims those platforms contribute to harm among children and teens.
District leaders say there are no upfront costs to join, and any settlement money could help pay for mental health and intervention programs.
Meta agreed to make maximum payments of about $16.7 billion to 47 U.S. states.
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