Little Rock Board of Education votes to join adolescent addiction lawsuit against social media companies

In a significant move aimed at addressing the growing concerns over adolescent mental health linked to social media use, the Little Rock Board of Education has voted to join a lawsuit against major social media companies. This decision, made during the board meeting on August 28, 2025, aligns the district with several others across Arkansas that have already taken similar actions.

The motion, introduced by board member Eric Spencer Buchanan, highlights the alarming evidence suggesting that platforms like Instagram exacerbate issues such as anxiety, depression, and body image concerns among teenagers. Citing internal research from Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Buchanan emphasized that one in three teenage girls reported worsened body image issues due to social media use. He noted that despite this knowledge, social media companies have continued to refine their algorithms to increase user engagement, often at the expense of mental health.

Buchanan pointed out that several school districts, including Fayetteville and North Little Rock, have already joined the litigation, which seeks to hold social media companies accountable for their role in adolescent addiction and related mental health issues. The board's decision to participate in this lawsuit is seen as a crucial step in advocating for the well-being of students and potentially securing financial compensation for the district.

The urgency of the matter was underscored by Buchanan, who warned that the district must file its claims before September 24, 2025, to avoid being barred by statutes of limitations. He urged fellow board members to act swiftly, emphasizing the potential benefits of joining the litigation, including monetary compensation that could support mental health initiatives within the schools.

The board's decision reflects a growing recognition of the impact of social media on youth and a commitment to addressing these challenges head-on. As the Little Rock School District moves forward with this legal action, it aims to not only protect its students but also contribute to a broader conversation about the responsibilities of social media companies in safeguarding the mental health of young users.