Families Sue TikTok for Suggesting Dangerous Videos to Kids
In a troubling case, several families in France are taking legal action against TikTok, the popular video-sharing app, following the tragic deaths of their teenage children. The families believe that TikTok played a role in pushing harmful content that contributed to their children’s struggles.
One of the central figures in this lawsuit is Stephanie Mistre. She lost her 15-year-old daughter, Marie, to suicide in September 2021. After her daughter’s death, Stephanie looked through Marie’s phone and found alarming videos that promoted suicidal behaviour. She discovered that TikTok’s algorithm often suggested these harmful videos to her daughter, leading her to question the app’s safety measures.
Stephanie expressed her pain and frustration, saying she had no idea what kind of content was being shown to her daughter. She found videos that discussed violence, bullying, and self-harm. This prompted her to take action, and she is now one of seven families who are suing TikTok France. They accuse the platform of not doing enough to control dangerous content and of exposing vulnerable young users to life-threatening material.
In response to the lawsuit, TikTok stated that families file lawsuits against TikTok in France. Following Teen Death, it has strict guidelines against promoting suicide and it employs thousands of professionals worldwide to monitor content. The company also mentioned that it directs users searching for suicide-related content to mental health resources. However, many critics argue that TikTok’s moderation efforts are not sufficient to protect young users from harmful material.
Marie, before her death, had made several videos explaining her struggles and sharing her feelings. She mentioned feeling bullied both at school and online, which added to her distress. Stephanie believes that if TikTok had better safeguards in place, her daughter might still be alive today. She claims that she never would have allowed her daughter to use the app had she known about its potential dangers.
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The lawsuit has raised serious questions about the responsibility of social media platforms to protect their younger users. While experts have not definitively linked social media use to mental health issues, they acknowledge that vulnerable individuals, such as those facing bullying or family problems, might be particularly at risk.
Grégoire Borst, a psychology professor, pointed out that it is challenging to determine the exact impact of social media on mental health. He noted that most teenagers use social media without significant negative effects. However, the lawsuit highlights the need for better protections for young users, especially as they navigate difficult times.
The legal action against TikTok is not isolated to France. Similar lawsuits have emerged in other countries, including the United States, where parents have also accused social media companies of contributing to their children’s mental health struggles. In Australia, laws have been introduced to restrict social media access for children under 16, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of these platforms on youth.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Stephanie Mistre and the other families hope to raise awareness about the dangers of social media. They want to ensure that future generations are protected from harmful content and that parents are informed about the risks associated with apps like TikTok. This case serves as a reminder of the critical conversations that need to happen around social media safety and the mental health of young people.
Content Credit| Kemi Arowolo
Picture Credit | https://www.foxbusiness.com/
