A group of Ontario school boards just won a big legal victory against some of the biggest names in social media. Meta, Snapchat, and TikTok tried to shut down a lawsuit that accuses them of harming students’ education, but the courts weren’t buying it. On Friday, Ontario Superior Court Justice Janet Leiper ruled that the case has merit and will move forward.
This lawsuit, brought by fourteen school boards and private schools, claims that these platforms disrupt learning and negatively affect students’ mental health. The companies pushed back, arguing the case should be thrown out. But the judge saw things differently, allowing the legal fight to continue.
A First-of-Its-Kind Case in Canada
This is the first time Canadian courts have ruled that social media companies might have a duty of care to schools. The lawsuit argues that these platforms create an environment that interferes with students’ ability to learn. The decision didn’t mince words:
“The statistics, if true, and the methods and outcomes of social media on the learning environment reveal broad effects that impact not only the immediate access to the right to an education, but to the futures of many young people.”
The argument is simple—if a product is designed to be addictive and that addiction is harming students, the companies behind it should be held accountable.
What’s at Stake?
The schools behind the lawsuit say they’ve been dealing with the fallout from social media’s influence for years. They claim the platforms are fueling mental health crises, disrupting classrooms, and creating a massive burden on educators. The lawsuit isn’t just about awareness—it’s also seeking financial compensation to cover the costs of managing this crisis.
Duncan Embury, a partner at Neinstein, the firm representing the schools, called the decision a step toward justice.
“Now that we’ve been successful in this motion, the case can proceed to trial to hold social media giants accountable.”
The lawsuit also demands that tech companies redesign their platforms to reduce the harm they cause to young users.
What Happens Next?
With this ruling, the lawsuit is set to move forward, meaning Meta, Snapchat, and TikTok will have to defend themselves in court. If the schools succeed, it could set a major precedent in Canada—and possibly beyond—about the responsibility of tech companies when their platforms negatively affect children’s education and mental well-being.
For now, schools and parents will be watching closely, and the pressure on social media companies to make changes is only growing.
