Martin County Schools Superintendent Maine visits Murray Middle
Martin County Schools Superintendent Maine visits Murray Middle School on first day of school, gives update on tornado damage.
- More than 1,700 school districts across the country have joined the lawsuit.
- The mass-action lawsuit was filed in federal court in California.
- It names Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube as defendents.
MARTIN COUNTY — All three Treasure Coast school districts have joined a national lawsuit targeting social media giants like Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok. The School Board unanimously agreed on Aug. 19 to participate in this mass-action suit, which claims these companies use algorithms and addictive design to target children.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in California, lists the parent companies of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube as defendants. Over 1,700 school districts nationwide are now part of the litigation, with 45 in Florida. Indian River and St. Lucie school districts had previously committed to joining.
Legal Action Against Social Media
The lawsuit is anticipated to go to trial in early 2026, with a deadline for districts to join set for September. Joining the mass-action lawsuit incurs no upfront cost for the district, with administrative work estimated at around 10 hours. However, a successful outcome could result in substantial financial recovery, as shared by School Board attorney Anthony George with the board in July.
Potential uses for any settlement funds include developing social media awareness campaigns for families and students, creating public service videos, establishing after-school digital detox clubs, and implementing a “digital ambassadors” peer program. Monthly family safety events are also being considered, according to district reports.
A previous school board discussion in July revealed divisions regarding the decision to sue companies like Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.
