In a landmark decision, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, under the Honourable Justice Janet Leiper, has allowed a groundbreaking lawsuit filed by 14 Ontario school boards against Meta (Facebook/Instagram), TikTok, and Snapchat to proceed to trial. The case centers on the detrimental effects that these social media platforms are alleged to have on students' education.
The school boards claim that the platforms' design and operation negatively impact student learning, contributing to academic decline, mental health issues, and other harmful outcomes. In response, Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat filed a motion to strike the claim, seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed. However, the court rejected this motion, marking a significant victory for the school boards and signaling a potential shift in how social media companies may be held accountable for their influence on public institutions.
This ruling sets a crucial precedent, suggesting that social media platforms could owe a duty of care to schools in cases of nuisance and negligence. It indicates that these companies may not be immune from liability for the consequences of their platforms on students’ academic success. As the case moves forward, the school boards will present evidence urging the court to compel these platforms to redesign their services to reduce harm to students.
This decision is a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate about the role of social media in education, raising critical questions about how tech companies are shaping the academic environment. If the school boards succeed at trial, it could have broad implications for how social media platforms are regulated, particularly in relation to young users.
If you have been involved in an incident causing you injury, it is always best to consult a professional lawyer who has experience arguing these types of claims to protect your interests. Please contact our team at JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LL.P for a free initial consultation at 1 (844) DIAL JRJ.