Meta Ordered to Pay $942 Million in Child Social Media Harm Case
August 10, 2026
A New Mexico judge has ordered Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to pay $942 million after finding that the social media platforms contributed to harms experienced by children and teenagers. The ruling includes a new $567 million fund dedicated largely to child and teen mental health treatment, awareness, and prevention programs.
Has your family been harmed by social media? Tell us your story:
What Does the New Mexico Meta Ruling Mean for Families?
The ruling applies to a specific case brought by the State of New Mexico, reflecting a larger effort to hold social media companies accountable when platform design features contribute to harm experienced by children and teenagers. In the ruling, Judge Bryan Biedscheid also ordered Meta to implement stricter safety features for minors in the state, including stronger age-based verification, and blocking push notifications during nighttime and school hours.
While the $567 million fund will not provide direct payments to New Mexico families, many families across the country qualify to file individual social media addiction lawsuits seeking compensation for harm suffered by their children. Gibbs Mura continues to evaluate new cases as families across the country question the impact of engagement-focused platform features on young users’ well-being.
Why Are Families Filing Social Media Addiction Lawsuits?
Plaintiffs in social media addiction cases have alleged that companies knowingly used engagement-focused features while failing to adequately warn users and families about potential risks. Our lawsuits allege:
- Companies like Meta and TikTok designed features to keep young users scrolling or returning to the platforms;
- Social media use has caused or contributed to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and other mental health harms;
- Social media companies knew about risks but did not adequately warn users or parents.
Momentum Continues in Social Media Addiction
The $567 million fund follows a $375 million verdict Meta was previously ordered to pay after a New Mexico jury found Meta liable for misleading users about the safety of its platforms.
Earlier this year, a Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube liable in a social media addiction trial on behalf of a young woman, and awarded her $6 million in damages. The message is clear: mounting legal pressure from states, families, and young adults is leading to lasting change and safer platforms.
“Today’s decision is a victory for every parent who has worried about what social media is doing to their child.”
— New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez, quoted in public reporting
Join the movement to let Meta and other large social media companies know that we won’t them continue to harm kids and teens:
About the Social Media Addiction Lawyers at Gibbs Mura
Our attorneys represent families pursuing claims against social media companies. We represent over 500 families in lawsuits alleging that Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube incorporate addictive design features that harm children and teens.
Our team helps families navigate these complex cases while advocating accountability and safer online experiences for young people.
