Quick answer
Families are suing Meta, Instagram’s parent company, alleging the app was designed to keep children using it through likes, appearance filters and endless feeds, and that it harmed their mental health. Meta is a defendant in the federal social media MDL (No. 3047). Children who used Instagram before 18 may qualify.
Why families are suing Meta
The lawsuits allege that Instagram was built to maximize the time young users spend on it, that the company knew about the risks to children and teens, and that it did not warn parents. Meta denies these claims.
- Likes and notifications timed to keep teens checking
- Appearance filters that reshape faces and bodies, with no label on edited images
- Engagement-ranked feeds and Reels with no natural stopping point
- Self-reported birthdays that let children under 13 sign up
Who may qualify
- Your child used Instagram regularly, starting before age 18
- Your child experienced depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, self-harm, sleep problems or another serious harm
- No diagnosis? Heavy use of 20 or more hours a week on one platform may support an exposure claim
- Families of a young person who died by suicide after heavy social media use
Not a class action
This is not a class action. Every child’s case is filed in the child’s name, valued on the child’s own facts, and never settled without the family’s written agreement.
What it costs
Nothing up front. The lawyers are paid a percentage of any recovery under a written contingency fee agreement. If there is no recovery, there is no attorney fee.
Common questions
Can I sue Instagram for my child’s eating disorder or depression?
Families whose child developed an eating disorder, depression, anxiety or another serious harm after using Instagram before 18 are bringing claims. The free case check tells you whether your situation fits.
Does my child need a diagnosis to qualify?
Not necessarily. A diagnosis helps, but the lawyers review every family’s situation. If your child spent 20 or more hours a week on one platform before 18, they can pursue an exposure claim even without medical records.
Is this a class action?
No. Each child’s case is handled individually: filed in the child’s name, valued on the child’s own facts, and never settled without the family’s written agreement.
Does it cost anything to have my case reviewed?
No. The case check is free and confidential. If you hire the firm, the lawyers are paid only from a recovery under a written contingency fee agreement. No recovery, no attorney fee.
Sources: U.S. District Court, N.D. Cal., MDL 3047 order on motions to dismiss (Nov 14, 2023); MDL Update, MDL 3047 status (Oct 2026). Attorney advertising by Grove and Associates PLC; responsible attorney Justin Grove. Results in other cases don’t predict the outcome of yours. This page is general information, not legal or medical advice.