World Aug 14 France's top court blocks under-15 social media ban, citing constitutional freedoms By Associated Press
Nation Aug 08 A New Mexico judge ordered new child safeguards for Meta. Advocates hope other courts follow The judge’s order showed a possible path forward for other court fights around the country as Meta faces mounting legal, regulatory and public pressure to do more to protect young people. By Kaitlyn Huamani, Mikella Schuettler, Associated Press
Nation Aug 06 New Mexico court orders Meta to pay $567 million over mental health harms to kids online Judge Bryan Biedscheid said in a ruling late Thursday that the bulk of the money — $420 million — will be used for treatment services for young people. The rest will go toward awareness and prevention, screening services and other… By Barbara Ortutay, Wufei Yu, Associated Press
Nation Jul 31 Social media companies sued over deaths of 4 teens amid rising pressure over child safety The families of four teenagers who died by suicide are suing Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube over what they describe as “years of escalating harms” from using their platforms that eventually resulted in their deaths. By Kaitlyn Huamani, Barbara Ortutay, Associated Press
World Jul 21 French lawmakers pass sweeping social media ban for children under 15 Several families in France have sued TikTok over teen suicides they say are linked to harmful content. Children’s advocates and parents applauded the vote. By Samuel Petrequin, Associated Press
Jun 28 The U.S. lags other countries in social media restrictions for kids, but a reform push is growing By Kaitlyn Huamani, Barbara Ortutay, Associated Press In the U.S., the movement turned a corner with two jury verdicts against Meta and one against Google that galvanized proponents for kids' online safety. Continue reading
Jun 15 Britain is banning children from using social media. Here's what other countries are doing By Associated Press Some parents and child advocacy groups support these measures, but critics raise privacy concerns. Continue reading
Jun 15 UK bans children younger than 16 from using social media apps including TikTok and YouTube By Sylvia Hui, Brian Melley, Associated Press Starmer acknowledges that some teens might bypass the ban but emphasizes the importance of children's safety and happiness. Continue reading
May 24 Looksmaxxing may point to deeper body image issues in young men, mental health expert says By Jordyn Tovey, The Conversation A mental health professional explains how sensationalizing the extreme behaviors associated with “looksmaxxing,” rather than treating them as symptoms of mental health issues, can prevent boys and young men from receiving the care they need. Continue reading
May 20 A Tennessee man was jailed over his Charlie Kirk social media comments. Now he's won a $835,000 settlement By R.J. Rico, Associated Press The 61-year-old retired police officer spent 37 days behind bars before authorities dropped the felony charge against him in October. Continue reading