Five Ontario School Boards and Two Schools Unite in Legal Battle Against Social Media Giants

Several more Ontario school boards and two private schools have initiated legal action against social media giants including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.

These new plaintiffs have joined some of the largest school boards in Ontario who previously filed lawsuits in March. These initial suits allege that the platforms are designed in a negligent manner that promotes compulsive use, ultimately impacting the way children think, behave, and learn. As a result, teachers and schools are left to deal with the aftermath.

The Catholic boards in Ottawa, Dufferin-Peel, and York, along with Trillium Lakeland District School Board and District School Board of Niagara, have all filed their own lawsuits. Additionally, a private Catholic school in Mississauga, Ontario, and a private Jewish school are among the new plaintiffs.

Earlier in March, Toronto’s public and Catholic school boards, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, and the Peel District School Board had lodged separate yet similar cases with Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice.

It is important to note that the allegations made in these lawsuits have not been proven in court.

A spokesperson for TikTok has stated that their team continuously evaluates practices to support the well-being of teenagers. Snapchat has expressed satisfaction with its role in helping friends stay connected during the challenges of adolescence. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has not provided an immediate response to a request for comment.

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