The Spring ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously during its recent board meeting to join a nationwide multi-district lawsuit aimed at holding major social media companies accountable for contributing to what experts are calling an “unprecedented mental health crisis” among young people. The lawsuit targets the companies behind Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube, alleging that their platforms are intentionally designed to be addictive and have resulted in widespread mental health challenges for children and adolescents.
Spring ISD’s participation in the lawsuit is part of a broader national effort that now includes hundreds of school districts across the United States. Similarly to Houston Independent School District, which recently announced its involvement, Spring ISD argues that these platforms have led to increased anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and disruptive behaviors in schools, forcing districts to divert resources toward addressing these social-emotional challenges.
“We see the effects of social media addiction every day in our schools—students struggling with anxiety, peer pressure amplified by digital platforms, and even dangerous viral challenges,” said Spring ISD Board President Justine Durant. “This lawsuit is about protecting our children and ensuring that these companies are held accountable for the damage they are causing. Our students deserve safe learning environments, and we cannot ignore the role social media is playing in disrupting that.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide attempts among teens have sharply increased over the past decade, a trend many experts link to the rise of social media usage. The lawsuit argues that social media platforms are engineered with addictive algorithms that prioritize engagement over user well-being, trapping young users in cycles of constant scrolling and comparison.
School districts involved in the case have reported substantial costs tied to social media-related incidents, including hiring additional mental health professionals and responding to safety threats made online, or resulting from students’ use of social media.
“Social media platforms are not just apps—they are environments where our children live part of their lives,” said Board Vice President Natasha McDaniel. “We are taking this stand because the cost goes far beyond dollars. These platforms are disrupting our students’ ability to focus, build meaningful relationships, and develop the confidence they need to thrive.”
Spring ISD will be represented by Thompson & Horton, LLP, Eiland & Bonnin, PC, and O’Hanlon, Demerath & Castillo, PC under a contingency fee agreement, meaning the district will not pay legal fees unless a settlement or judgment is reached. This model ensures that the district’s involvement comes at no immediate cost while pursuing accountability for widespread harm.
Spring ISD joins districts across the nation in a historic push for change, sending a clear message that student health and safety must come before corporate profits.