Is TikTok Harming Kids? AGs Sue Over Mental Health Concerns

Imagine scrolling through TikTok and suddenly realizing that the fun videos might be hurting you. That’s what fourteen attorneys general from states like New York and California think. They’ve sued TikTok, saying it’s not safe for kids. The big issue? They say TikTok tricks young users into spending too much time on the app, which can mess with their mental health. The lawyers claim TikTok uses tricks like never-ending notifications and autoplay videos to keep kids hooked. Plus, they say TikTok collects data from kids under 13 without parents knowing, which breaks the law. TikTok isn’t happy about these claims. They say they’ve done lots to protect teens, like setting screen time limits and getting parents involved. But the lawyers aren’t convinced.

Doctors and experts have been warning about these problems for years. Even the Surgeon General said social media is a big cause of depression and anxiety in teens. Some people think social media is like smoking—it should have warnings. TikTok is super popular, but it’s not just fun and games. Some people worry about China, which owns TikTok, using it to spy or spread propaganda. But these lawsuits aren’t about that. They’re about the app’s tricks and how it might be harming kids. The lawyers want TikTok to stop using sneaky tactics and pay back money they made from hurting kids. They also want to make sure TikTok follows the law when it comes to kids’ data.

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