Orange County Public Schools considers joining lawsuits against social-media platforms

Orange County Public Schools on Tuesday, April 25, considered joining a number of Florida school boards and school boards across the country as plaintiffs in lawsuits against the Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube/Google. 

The lawsuits seek compensation for damages suffered by the districts and its students as a result of the usage of social media. The claims include negligence, public nuisance and other associated claims. 

According to the Pew Research Center, 46% of teens surveyed stated they are online “almost constantly’; and 62% of 13- to 18-year-olds use social media daily. 

According to OCPS officials, these platforms use email, text alerts and push notifications to inform users when they receive “likes” and “mentions.” These products are also alleged to contain addictive algorithms designed to get adolescent users into a cycle of habitual use of these products, OCPS officials said. 

As a result, school districts have had to expend resources to deal with the outcome of social-media addiction, including:

• hiring additional mental health professionals;

• developing and implementing lesson plans on social-media harms;

• providing more training for educators, staff and the community on social media;

• addressing property damage caused by mentally anguished students;

• increasing disciplinary measures;

• addressing bullying, harassment and threats originating on social media;

• confiscating electronic devices;

• notifying parents and guardians of student behavioral issues and attendance;

• investigating and responding to threats made over social media; and

• updating student codes of conduct and policies on social media.