A court in the United States issued a $375 million penalty to Meta after it determined that the platform knowingly harmed children’s mental health and concealed information about child sexual exploitation.

“Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage, and ultimately ensnare youth and teens. Its motive is profit, and in seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its social media platforms,” the complaint says. “It has concealed how these platforms exploit and manipulate their most vulnerable consumers: teenagers and children.”

In addition, more than 40 state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against Meta, claiming it’s contributing to a mental health crisis among young people by deliberately designing Instagram and Facebook features that are addictive.

How Meta Is Accused of Harming Children’s Mental Health?

Recent 2026 legal proceedings have highlighted how social media platforms may contribute to a youth mental health crisis.

1. Addictive Design Features: Meta has been accused of creating platform features intended to keep children engaged for longer periods, making it difficult for them to exercise self-control. These features include infinite scroll, likes, and constant push notifications, which can interfere with sleep, school work, and overall well-being.

2. Recommendation Algorithms: Instagram’s algorithm has reportedly promoted content that negatively affects mental health, particularly for teen girls. This includes content encouraging extreme dieting, self-harm, and other risky behaviours.

3. Body Image and Insecurity: Internal Meta research, including the Bad Experiences and Encounters Framework survey, indicated that 19.2% of users felt worse about themselves because of Instagram. Many reported body image concerns, anxiety, and depression caused by constant negative social comparisons.

4. Failure to Protect Against Sexual Solicitation: Investigations, such as those conducted by the New Mexico Attorney General, found that sexual predators could easily target minors on Instagram and Facebook. The platforms were criticized for failing to adequately address these threats.

5. Inadequate Age Verification: Although Meta requires users to be at least 13 years old, internal documents from 2018 revealed that millions of children under 13 were able to create accounts, raising concerns about enforcement and safety.

6. Beauty Filters: Meta reportedly allowed “beauty” filters that promote unrealistic standards of appearance. Researchers and former employees warned that these filters can contribute to long-term harm, including body dysmorphia and low self-esteem among young users.

Social Media and Teens Mental Health

Many people, including children and teens, turn to social media for entertainment, news, and connection with others. Nearly half of teens in a recent survey report being online “almost constantly,” and 9 in 10 say they use social media daily. Even more concerning, despite most platforms requiring users to be at least 13 years old, nearly 40% of children between the ages of 8 and 12 are active on social media.

These widespread usage patterns help explain why the recent ruling against Meta has drawn so much attention. With such a large number of young users spending significant time on these platforms, concerns about their design and impact become more significant. The case argued that certain platform features, such as algorithms, notifications, and engagement tools, may not just reflect how teens use social media, but actively shape that behaviour in ways that can be difficult to control.

Some experts believe that mental health challenges may be an unintended consequence of this increased and prolonged exposure. While the relationship between social media use and mental health is still being studied, the ruling highlights a growing concern: when platforms are designed to maximize engagement, younger users may be more vulnerable to negative effects.

As a result, it’s becoming increasingly important for both teens and parents to understand not just how often social media is used, but how it is designed, and how those design choices can influence behaviour, well-being, and overall mental health.

Positive Effects of Social Media on Children and Teens

While much of the conversation focuses on risks, social media can also offer meaningful benefits for young people. It provides access to information, creative outlets, and spaces where teens can express themselves in ways they may not feel comfortable doing offline.

For many, social media helps build connections that might not otherwise be possible. Teens can find communities that share similar interests, identities, or experiences, especially important for those who may feel isolated in their immediate environment. These online spaces can offer a sense of belonging and support during challenging times.

Social media can also encourage positive behaviours, such as seeking help or learning more about mental health. In some cases, it can:

  • Encourage conversations around mental health and accessing support
  • Provide affirmation for personal identity and self-expression
  • Offer peer support and shared experiences
  • Help reduce stress by creating a sense of connection

For today’s generation, social media is also one of the primary ways they communicate, making it a central part of how relationships are formed and maintained.

Negative Effects of Social Media on Children and Teens

Despite its benefits, excessive or unbalanced social media use can have drawbacks, especially for younger users. Health experts have raised concerns that frequent use may impact mental and emotional development.

“Research has demonstrated that there are high rates of depression with very low social media use and very high social media use, demonstrating that there is a ‘sweet spot’ of use for each child that is often specific to their own developmental level and protective factors,”  Jennifer Katzenstein, Ph.D., co-director of the Center for Behavioral Health at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

There is also a growing connection between social media use and mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. However, this relationship is complex. Some studies show that both very low and very high levels of use are associated with higher rates of depression, suggesting that balance is key and that each individual may have a different “healthy” level of use.

Social Media and Depression in Children and Teens

Studies have found that teens who spend more time on social media often report higher levels of depressive symptoms. While this doesn’t necessarily mean social media directly causes depression, several factors may help explain the connection:

Social Isolation:

Although social media is designed to connect people, it can sometimes have the opposite effect. Online interactions may not feel as fulfilling as in-person relationships, and seeing others’ highlight reels can lead to feelings of exclusion or “missing out.”

Reduced Healthy Activities:

Time spent online can take away from activities that support mental well-being, such as physical exercise, hobbies, and time outdoors. These activities play an important role in boosting mood, building confidence, and reducing stress.

Sleep Disruption:

Social media use, especially before bed, can interfere with sleep. Endless scrolling, stimulating content, and screen exposure can make it harder to fall asleep and stay rested. Poor sleep is a known factor that can contribute to worsening mental health.

It’s important to recognize that depression is influenced by many factors, including genetics, environment, and personal experiences. Social media is just one piece of a much larger picture. However, excessive use has been linked to behaviours, like poor sleep, increased comparison, and exposure to harmful content, that may contribute to worsening symptoms.

Building a Healthy Relationship with Social Media

Helping children and teens develop healthy digital habits is key to reducing risks while still allowing them to benefit from social media.

Parents can support this by encouraging balance and open communication. Talking about both the positive and negative aspects of social media helps build awareness and critical thinking.

Some practical strategies include:

  • Taking regular breaks from screens
  • Turning off non-essential notifications
  • Creating phone-free times or spaces (like during meals or before bed)
  • Setting clear expectations around online behaviour and boundaries

Modelling these habits is just as important. Children and teens are more likely to follow what they see rather than what they are told. When parents demonstrate balanced and mindful technology use, it can influence the entire family’s relationship with social media.

Ultimately, learning to use social media healthily is similar to building habits around food, exercise, or sleep. Technology will continue to be part of everyday life, so developing awareness, moderation, and self-control is essential for long-term well-being.

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