PIKEVILLE, Ky. — Martin County Schools is one of a dozen public school districts across Kentucky that has filed suit against some of the world’s largest social media networks, accusing them of contributing to a “mental health crisis” among the nation’s youth.
The districts are suing Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, SnapChat, Youtube and their associated parent companies in a series of federal lawsuits filed across the state simultaneously March 30.
Martin County’s 87-page complaint alleges the companies know that their products are harmful to the mental health of young users, yet they actively work to maximize the amount of time they spend on their networks.
The complaint seeks to have the companies’ conduct declared a public nuisance, to order them halt such actions and take steps to abate the damage, and to reimburse the school district for its costs in dealing with the mental health crisis.
In addition to Martin County, other school systems filing suit include Breathitt, Bullitt, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Harrison, Jefferson, Jessamine, Larue, Madison and Wolfe counties.
A copy of Martin County’s complaint can be found below:
