Westfield Schools Join Fight Against Social Media Addiction, Hire Lawyers

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield is joining a nationwide fight against social media addiction.

At the Tuesday Board of Education meeting, the board approved a resolution to retain outside legal counsel and pursue social media addiction claims against the companies that own Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube.

Board President Robert Benacchio said at the meeting the issue came before the school board through counsel, who are part of a group of national lawsuits against social media companies and the negative effects that they can have on students.

Additionally, Benacchio noted that over the past couple of board meetings, parents' groups such as Parents for Mindful Tech, have spoken about the importance of technology and placing limits on it.

The district said it is seeking to pursue potential recovery for the impacts of those platforms on its students and school community.

To do that, the board retained the Law Office of Robert King and Motley Rice LLC, two firms that represent school districts nationwide in this litigation.

"Social media has dramatically impacted students across the United States, including here in Westfield," said Benacchio in a statement. "Parents are fighting this battle at home and educators are fighting this battle in our halls and classrooms. We are working hard to counter the impacts of cyberbullying and mental health issues created by social media. If there is a chance to obtain some relief, this is our opportunity to try and hold these companies accountable."

According to the district, more than 1,300 school districts across the country have brought similar claims, including more than 65 in New Jersey.

Most of those cases have been consolidated before a federal judge in California under the name In re: Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 3047.

The districts allege that the platforms were built to keep adolescents online as long as possible and that schools have been left to pay for the consequences.

Superintendent Raymond A. González said schools are dealing with the effects in classrooms and among students.

"Schools are seeing firsthand how social media can affect students, their relationships, and the learning environment," stated González. "We work every day to help students navigate these challenges while supporting their well-being and keeping our schools focused on teaching and learning. Joining districts across the state and country in this action is another way for us to respond thoughtfully to an issue that extends well beyond the walls of our schools."

The district said its legal action is separate from the settlement Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced on Aug. 26, under which New Jersey will receive at least $525 million from Meta Platforms, Inc.

According to the district, that money is paid to the state and will be spent at the state’s direction.