Court Cases Highlight Social Media’s Impact on Youth Safety

The tragic events surrounding the death of Walker Montgomery, a Mississippi teen, have intensified the focus on social media platforms and their impact on young users. Walker Montgomery, only 16, was drawn into a criminal scheme after being contacted by someone posing as a teenage girl on Instagram. Hours later, overcome by the distress of extortion, he took his own life.

Editor’s Note: This story includes a discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.

Brian Montgomery, Walker’s father, finds it difficult to move past the loss of his son. However, he joined other parents in recognizing the recent legal actions against social media giant Meta as two court cases brought social media practices into question. Juries from separate trials in New Mexico and Los Angeles ruled that leading platforms encourage addictive behaviors in young users without prioritizing their safety.

Brian Montgomery sees these verdicts as a significant development in holding companies accountable. “We’re talking about the most financially sound business that the planet has ever known. This will set an expectation,” he remarked.

The first case resulted in a verdict where New Mexico jurors agreed with state prosecutors about Meta’s neglect of user safety in favor of profits. A hefty $375 million penalty was imposed. The subsequent ruling in Los Angeles found Meta alongside Google’s YouTube guilty of designing platforms that hook young users while showing little concern for their well-being.

These legal outcomes strike at the core of public perception regarding social media companies’ responsibilities in safeguarding young users. For years, accusations have been leveled against them for knowingly creating addictive environments that fail to protect children against dangers including sexual predators and harmful content.

Montgomery, although not directly involved in either lawsuit, advocates for legislative action. “They’ve proven,” he claimed about the social media industry, “that they can’t regulate themselves.” While recent legal developments indicate progress, parents question the delayed response.

Brian Montgomery shared that, prior to the scam, his son — described as outdoor-loving and athletic — appeared content. “We didn’t get to see him the next morning,” he lamented, recalling fond memories of duck hunts alongside his son.

Deb Schmill from Dedham, Massachusetts, faces similar emotions after her daughter suffered fentanyl poisoning at age 18 due to drugs acquired via social media. Following sexual assault and revenge porn exposure through online contacts, Schmill’s daughter was overwhelmed by her circumstances. “She was a wonderful child, but she was just tortured,” Schmill explained.

Reflecting on the rulings, she wishes intervention efforts like the Kids Online Safety Act, passed in the U.S. Senate but stalled in Congress, had come sooner. “If this could have been done five years ago, 10 years ago. Things would be so different,” Schmill regretted.

Legal proceedings, as well as settlement negotiations, may extend over years. Unlike regions such as Europe and Australia, where tech regulation is more established, the U.S. is experiencing slow progress.

“We know, the parents know better than anyone that when we are unable to hold the social media companies accountable, children die,” Schmill stated. “And it’s just absurd that this is happening in our country.”

Some parents without direct involvement with these tragedies share concern. Charles Halley, who refrains from providing his young son in Alameda, California, with a phone, worries about social media’s detrimental influence. “The divisiveness, the beauty standard, consumerism, just everything that’s wrong with society kind of packaged up and marketed to kids,” he expressed.

Halley noted parents’ efforts in curtailing harmful exposure, yet doubts complete prevention is feasible. “People my age, younger, older have seen what social media has done to our behavior, the way we deal with each other,” commented Halley, citing risk from distracted behavior.

Halley voiced sorrow over youth subjected to these environments prematurely. “That’s why I’m keeping my kid off social media,” he resolved.

While parents rally for reform, courts remain a battleground in defining ethical standards for technology companies tasked with safeguarding vulnerable users.

—— Terry Chea contributed from Alameda, California.