Social Media Addiction Lawsuits | Sunrise, Florida
Sunrise FL Social Media Addiction Lawsuit: Help for Families Worried About Their Teen
Some parents are asking whether social media platforms contributed to serious mental-health harm in their children. Lawsuits allege that certain platforms were designed to be addictive. Our Florida-based firm can explain those claims in plain language and review your family's situation.
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By CHG Lawyers · Published November 2, 2026
Sunrise FL Social Media Addiction Lawsuit | CHG
A social media addiction lawsuit asks a court to decide whether social media platforms caused serious harm to a child or teen. The lawsuits allege that the platforms were designed to be addictive. They also allege that this design added to mental-health harm in young users.
If your child is struggling, this guide can help. It explains these claims in plain words. It covers the Florida rules that apply. It also explains how a free consultation works for families in Sunrise and across Broward County.
If your teen's depression or anxiety began during heavy social media use, you don't have to sort out the legal questions alone. Reach out to CHG for a free, confidential consultation. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
What Is a Social Media Addiction Lawsuit?
A social media addiction lawsuit is a claim a family brings. Families bring it when they believe a platform’s design harmed their child. Parents or guardians usually bring these claims for a minor.
The people bringing the claim are called plaintiffs. They contend that features built to keep young people scrolling played a role in serious mental-health problems.
These are allegations. A court will weigh the evidence. No outcome is promised.
Research helps explain why families raise these concerns. The HHS on youth social media use describes youth social media use as common. It reports an observed association between heavy use and higher risks of depression and anxiety.
An association is not the same as proof that one thing caused another.
Who usually looks into these claims? Often it is a parent or guardian. Their young person has documented mental-health problems. They link those problems to heavy platform use.
Families in Sunrise and throughout Broward County can speak with CHG Personal Injury Lawyers, a Florida-based firm, about their child’s situation.
What the Lawsuits Allege About Children’s Mental Health
The lawsuits describe serious mental-health harm in children and teens. That harm includes depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide attempts.
The lawsuits allege that these harms are linked to how the platforms were built. These statements are allegations. Courts will test them. They are not findings of fact.
Mental-health problems are more common than many parents expect. The CDC youth mental health data tracks how often U.S. adolescents report poor mental health and related risks.
Hillsborough County parent guidance lists signs of difficulty that parents can watch for.
If your child or teen is in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) right away. Don’t wait for the next appointment.
Medical decisions belong with your child’s doctors and treatment team. Follow their care plan. Keep them informed about changes you notice.
What a Claim Could Cover for a Child or Family
A claim may ask a court to consider the harm a child has suffered. It may also ask the court to consider what that harm has cost the family. Families often point to several areas:
- Medical and counseling treatment, including therapy and psychiatric care
- Changes in school performance, sleep, and daily routines
- Strain on friendships and family relationships
- The emotional toll on parents and siblings
Florida law adds protection when money goes to a minor. Under Florida’s law on minors’ awards, the court must protect any amount awarded for a minor child. This protection falls under the Florida Guardianship Law.
Records matter because they show the timeline. Whether a particular claim fits depends on the child’s history and records. A checklist appears later on this page.
Where the Litigation Stands and Florida Deadlines
This process is called multidistrict litigation (MDL). In an MDL, similar cases are handled together in one federal court. Court status can change, so the team reviews current status with each family.
Other lawsuits, including state-court cases, may proceed separately. A family’s matter may be referred to, or handled together with, another law firm.
Nothing here means any reader will be included in a settlement. Nothing here means any reader will receive any amount.
Filing deadlines apply under Florida law. Florida’s limitations statute, § 95.11, sets time limits for most lawsuits. A limitations statute is the law that sets how long you have to file.
Parents should not assume a child’s age alone extends a deadline, but for medical malpractice claims, the 4-year limit does not bar an action brought on behalf of a minor on or before the child’s eighth birthday.
Florida’s tolling rules, § 95.051, pause deadlines. Tolling means a deadline stops running for a set time. These pauses apply only in situations the statute lists. Even then, under the tolling provisions of Fla. Stat. § 95.051(1)(d) and (i), the action must be begun within 7 years after the act, event, or occurrence giving rise to the cause of action.
Florida also uses comparative fault (shared fault). Under § 768.81, in a negligence action a party found more than 50 percent at fault for their own harm may not recover any damages; this does not apply to an action for personal injury or wrongful death arising out of medical negligence under chapter 766.
Contact CHG Personal Injury Lawyers promptly. That way, deadlines don’t slip by.
How the Process Works, Step by Step
The process starts with a free, confidential initial consultation. You have no obligation to continue.
- Consultation. You describe your child’s situation. The call is free and confidential. It carries no obligation to continue.
- Review. The team reviews the timeline of symptoms, treatment, and platform use that you can document.
- Honest assessment. The firm tells you whether the facts suggest a potential claim. It also tells you if the matter may be referred to, or handled with, another firm.
- Investigation. If you move forward, the firm gathers records. It keeps you updated at each stage.
- Resolution. A matter may end through negotiation or in court. Timing varies from case to case.
CHG charges no attorney’s fees and no case costs unless there is a recovery.
Not sure what your next step is?
Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
What to Gather Before You Call and Why Families Work With CHG
You don’t need every record before you call. Start with what you have:
- Diagnosis and treatment records, with dates
- School, counseling, or therapy notes
- The platforms your child used and the approximate years of use
- Messages, posts, or notes that show changes over time
CHG Personal Injury Lawyers is a Florida-based personal injury firm. Our lawyers are licensed and admitted to The Florida Bar. Igor Hernandez is the responsible lawyer for this page.
The firm handles personal injury cases of every severity. Those range from everyday accidents to catastrophic injuries. The firm also publishes educational content in English and Spanish. Families can read these facts in the language they prefer.
Parents’ Questions Answered
Can a parent file a claim for a child under 18?
Parents or guardians usually bring these claims for a minor. Florida rules for minors can differ. Ask early.
Does my child have to prove social media caused all of the harm?
Lawsuits usually involve many factors. A consultation reviews your family’s facts. That includes other stressors in your child’s life.
Will my family receive money?
No result or amount is promised. Any outcome depends on the facts and the courts.
What does the first call cost?
The first consultation is free and confidential. You have no obligation to continue.
Could my case be handled with another firm?
Yes. A matter may be referred to, or handled with, another firm. You will hear that before any decision.
What if my teen is in crisis now?
Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) right away. Then contact your child’s care team.
If your teen’s depression or anxiety began during heavy social media use, you don’t have to sort out the legal questions alone. Contact CHG Personal Injury Lawyers for a free, confidential consultation.
How We Can Help Your Family
We Listen First
We start with your child's story, your questions and what you have noticed at home, at school and online.
We Review the Facts
With your permission, we look at records such as medical and school information to understand what happened.
We Explain the Options
We explain what these lawsuits allege, what they do not yet prove, and what steps your family may consider.
We Keep Your Child's Care First
Please follow your child's doctors and treatment team. Our role is legal guidance, not medical advice.
If Your Child Is in Crisis
If your child is thinking about suicide or hurting themselves, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) right away. Help is available 24 hours a day.
Questions Parents Often Ask
Can a parent file a claim for a child under 18?
Parents or guardians usually bring these claims for a minor. Florida rules for minors can differ, so it helps to ask early.
Must we prove social media caused all of the harm?
Lawsuits usually involve many factors, including other stressors in your child's life. A consultation reviews your family's facts as a whole.
What do these lawsuits allege?
Lawsuits allege that certain social media platforms were designed to be addictive and that this design contributed to depression, anxiety, eating disorders and other serious harm in some young users. These are allegations, not proven findings.
Could another law firm be involved?
Some social media addiction cases may be referred to, or handled together with, another law firm. We will tell you clearly if that applies to your family.