Illinois, One of Several States Suing TikTok Over Child Usage

Illinois has joined a group of 14 states suing TikTok, claiming the popular video-sharing app is harming children by prioritizing profits over safety. The lawsuit is part of a growing movement to hold social media platforms accountable for their impact on young users.

What’s the TikTok Lawsuit About?

As adults, we've probably all been on what's known as the "doom scroll." Where are minds and bodies may be able to adjust and handle it, our childrens may not be. At the heart of the lawsuit is the claim that TikTok uses addictive features to keep kids glued to the app. These include:

• Endless Scrolling: Videos automatically play one after the other, making it easy to lose track of time.
• Push Notifications: Alerts pop up at all hours, luring kids back into the app, even late at night.
• Beauty Filters: These tools let users modify their appearance, often leading to body image issues and self-doubt.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and others argue that TikTok targets children knowing they are especially vulnerable to these manipulative features. The states also say TikTok downplays the negative effects on mental health while benefiting from increased advertising revenue. He recently urged lawmakers to pass the kids online safety act.

https://multimedia.illinois.gov/ioci_vid/Archive/2024/WebpageOnly/ATG/100424-TikTokLawsuit/100424-TikTokLawsuit.mp4

Why Are Lawmakers Pushing This?

Lawmakers are increasingly concerned about how social media affects young people. Here’s why they’re taking action:

• Mental Health Concerns: Studies show that teens who use social media frequently are more likely to report feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness. This is especially true for girls.
• Dangerous Challenges: TikTok trends, like the infamous “subway surfing” challenge, encourage risky behavior. Lawmakers argue TikTok isn’t doing enough to remove these videos.
• Data Collection: The lawsuit alleges that TikTok is collecting data from children under 13 without proper consent, violating privacy laws.

"TikTok’s design and algorithms are not just keeping kids entertained — they’re contributing to a crisis in mental health.”

-Kwame Raoul, Illinois Attorney General

How Can Parents Help?

While lawmakers work through the courts, us parents can take steps to protect our kids online and the danger it poses to an underdeveloped mind. Here are some practical tips:

• Set Boundaries: Use screen-time limits to ensure kids don’t spend hours scrolling. TikTok has built-in tools for this, but you can also use parental controls on phones.
• Talk About Filters: Help kids understand that beauty filters create unrealistic images. Encourage them to appreciate their real selves.
• Monitor Usage: Be aware of what your child is watching. Consider using TikTok’s Family Pairing feature, which lets you link your account to theirs and set restrictions.
• Foster Open Communication: Make sure your kids feel comfortable talking about what they see online, whether it’s upsetting content or peer pressure to participate in challenges.
• Encourage Offline Activities: Promote hobbies, sports, and other non-screen-related activities to create a healthier balance.

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The lawsuits filed by Illinois and 13 other states (including Washington D.C.) will proceed in court, but it could take years to see any significant changes, and this is a right now problem. That being said, the pressure on TikTok and other platforms is mounting. Regulators are pushing for stricter safety features and more transparency about how algorithms work. Additionally, Instagram has already begun changes in how it addresses children, forcing all teen accounts to private settings.

As the parent of a teen and two 9-year-olds, staying informed and proactive can make a big difference. While phones and some social media can be fun and engaging, it should not be your child's "life." Take the kids off of electronics and spend quality time with them, even if you're tired and overwhelmed yourself. Trust me, it's worth it, for you and your kid.

The "screen babysitter" has become even worse than when my generation was young. Loose regulations, age-inappropriate content, and misinformation run rampant and can be extremely detrimental to an undeveloped mind. Encourage your children to interact and engage with you should they ever come across something concerning, odd, or dangerous. Social media isn’t going anywhere, but together, we can help our kids navigate it safely and healthily. If you're looking for more tips on managing social media use, visit trusted resources like the American Academy of Pediatrics or the Family Online Safety Institute.