Meta has agreed to a landmark settlement with a bipartisan coalition of US attorneys general over allegations involving Facebook and Instagram's impact on children and teenagers. The Meta teen settlement could reach $17.1 billion, but the source material states that at least $12.1 billion is currently committed, with part of the larger amount dependent on future settlements involving other social media companies. Meta $12.1B Deal

Meta teen safety trial testimony put Instagram’s Take a Break and Quiet Mode tools under scrutiny after internal data showed low early adoption. Adam Mosseri defended Meta’s safety record as 29 states pursue claims over youth engagement, privacy and public disclosures. Take a Break adoption draws courtroom scrutiny Instagram head Adam M

The Meta youth addiction trial now underway in Oakland could reshape Instagram and Facebook far beyond financial penalties. Twenty-nine states allege Meta harmed young users and violated child privacy laws, while four states are leading consumer-protection claims seeking major platform changes. Meta youth trial targets platform design Openi

ChatGPT for Teens is rolling out with stronger teen AI safety measures, parental controls and learning-focused features. OpenAI says eligible under-18 accounts can automatically enter the experience, which combines age prediction, Study Mode, Quiet Hours and additional safeguards for sensitive content. ChatGPT for Teens OpenAI has started rolling out ChatGPT for Teens, a dedicated experience de

Denmark’s plan to restrict social media access for children has become a major talking point after Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen made a controversial comparison between children’s social media use and smoking. Her remark triggered strong reactions online, but it also pushed an important question into the spotlight: how far should governments go to protect children from harmful digital spaces? The debate is linked to Denmark’s proposal to stop children under 15 from using so

A Los Angeles jury has found Alphabet’s Google and Meta Platforms liable for $3 million in damages in a social media addiction lawsuit, a ruling that could set a precedent for thousands of similar cases. The lawsuit focused on the platforms' addictive design, which the plaintiff argued contributed to her addiction to YouTube and Instagram from a young age. This case, which highlights the growing concerns over social media’s impact on mental health, could influence future legal actions brought by parents, school districts, and attorneys general against tech giants. The plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman, claimed that the attention-grabbing features of the apps led her to develop an addiction, marking a significant legal focus on the platforms' design rather than the content itself. The lawsuit was filed amid mounting criticism of social media companies for their role in the safety of children and teens. At least half of American teenagers use platforms like YouTube and Instagram daily, amplifying concerns over the prolonged exposure to these platforms. Snapchat and TikTok were also named in the case but settled with the plaintiff before the trial commenced. Despite the ruling, Meta and Google have expressed their disagreement with the verdict, with Meta already evaluating further legal options. The ruling has minimal impact on the companies’ stock prices, as shares of Meta rose slightly, while Alphabet’s stock remained largely unchanged. The case adds to the growing body of lawsuits focused on social media addiction, with other similar cases expected to go to trial in federal and state courts. Critics have long called for more stringent regulations on social media use, but Congress has yet to pass comprehensive legislation on the matter. Meanwhile, numerous states have enacted laws governing social media use among children, with some requiring age verification for account creation, a measure that tech trade associations are challenging in court. As the debate intensifies, the impact of this verdict on future legislation and lawsuits against tech companies remains to be seen. The ruling could be a crucial step in holding companies accountable for the design of platforms that contribute to addiction and harm, particularly among vulnerable youth populations.

A 14-year-old Lewisville ISD student died Tuesday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle in Flower Mound, prompting an ongoing police investigation and a wave of grief throughout the community. Authorities responded to the collision just before 4 p.m. at the intersection of Valley Ridge Boulevard and Browning Drive, an area that sees steady neighborhood traffic during after-school hours. According to the Flower Mound Police Department, officers arrived to find that a juvenile pedestrian had been injured after a pickup truck entered the intersection while she attempted to cross the roadway. Investigators reported that the driver of a 2020 Chevrolet pickup truck had been stopped at a stop sign facing south in the 6000 block of Browning Road. As the driver began moving forward, the pedestrian, identified as 14-year-old Flower Mound resident Isha Mishra, was struck. Emergency responders transported her to Medical City Denton Hospital, where she later died despite medical efforts. The Denton County Medical Examiner confirmed her identity shortly after the incident. Officials noted that Mishra was a ninth-grade student at Marcus High School. In a statement, Lewisville ISD expressed deep sorrow over the loss, acknowledging the impact the tragedy has had on the school community. The district stated that crisis counseling teams would remain available to support students and staff coping with the news and emphasized the importance of respecting the privacy of Mishra’s family during such a difficult time. Police said the driver, a 60-year-old Lewisville resident, remained at the scene and cooperated fully with authorities. He was not injured in the crash, and investigators have not released his name as the inquiry continues. No charges have been announced as detectives work to review roadway conditions, vehicle movement, and witness accounts to determine the circumstances leading to the collision. The tragedy has resonated deeply within the Flower Mound community, particularly among families and students who frequent the area near the crash site. The Village Church, located close to both Marcus High School and the scene of the incident, opened its doors for a prayer vigil on Wednesday to offer residents a space for comfort. Lead pastor Matt Chandler noted that the crash occurred only a short distance from the church, and he emphasized the congregation’s desire to provide support for those struggling with grief and shock. In addition to the vigil, the church announced a recovery-focused event scheduled for Wednesday evening, intended to assist individuals coping with trauma and emotional distress. Organizers invited the public to gather at the church’s campus on Justin Road to reflect, pray, and find community support as residents continue processing the devastating loss. As Flower Mound police continue their investigation, the incident has renewed local conversations about pedestrian safety, traffic awareness, and the need for heightened caution near school zones and residential areas. The death of the young student has left classmates, educators, and neighbors mourning a life cut tragically short while the community rallies to support those affected.

Waymo, the self-driving technology company, has introduced a significant shift in its autonomous vehicle service by allowing teenagers aged 14-17 to use its robotaxis independently in Phoenix. Previously, unaccompanied minors were prohibited from using Waymo’s services, but the company now believes that its technology is trustworthy enough to safely transport children on their own. This change in policy is a bold move by Waymo to gain the trust of famili