If your child struggled with depression, anxiety or an eating disorder, and spent hours a day on Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat or YouTube, you may be wondering whether any of it is connected, and whether you have a claim. This guide explains in plain language who may be able to file a social media addiction lawsuit, and what to do first.
What these lawsuits claim
Thousands of families have sued Meta (Instagram and Facebook), TikTok, Snap (Snapchat) and Google (YouTube). They say the apps were designed to keep young users scrolling, and that the companies did not do enough to protect them or warn their families. Each family's case is its own claim for injury.
Who may qualify
There is no single rule, and every case turns on its facts. Lawyers handling these cases generally look for the following.
- Use before age 18. The injured person used one or more of the named apps as a minor.
- Heavy, regular use. Some firms use "three hours or more a day" as a screening point. It is a starting question, not a legal requirement.
- A real harm. For example depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, self-harm or suicidal thoughts, or addiction-like use that disrupted school, sleep or family life.
- Treatment. A doctor, therapist or counselor has seen the person for the harm. A formal diagnosis helps, and records make a case stronger.
- No other law firm yet. If you have already signed with a firm for this claim, you cannot hire another.
Parents and guardians
If the injured person is under 18, a parent or legal guardian usually files on their behalf. You do not need to be the person who used the app. You need to be able to describe what happened and, if we take the case, help us gather records.
Adults harmed as teenagers
An adult who used these apps heavily as a teenager and was harmed may still have a claim. The question is timing, because time limits apply, and they depend on your state and on when you were harmed. Call us and we will look at the dates.
Families who have lost someone
When a young person has died by suicide, a parent or family member may be able to bring a wrongful death claim. These are some of the most serious cases in the litigation. If you are in this position, we are sorry. We will listen first and explain your options without pressure.
Do you have to live in California?
No. The federal cases are grouped in one court in California, but families from many states are part of them. Where you live does not stop you from calling.
What to gather now (but do not wait for it)
- Which apps were used, and about how long each day
- The names of doctors, therapists or counselors, and roughly when treatment began
- School records or notes that show changes in attendance, grades or behavior
- Screenshots or account details, if you have them
You can call without any of this. We will help you collect what is needed.
What to do next
Call (860) 589-8000 or start a free case review. We ask a few questions and tell you honestly whether we can help. The initial consultation is free. If we take your case, we explain how fees work before you decide.
If you or your child is in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Attorney advertising. This post is general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
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