Quick answer
Families are suing Google, YouTube’s parent company, alleging autoplay, endless recommended videos and Shorts were designed to maximize children’s watch time despite known risks. Google is a defendant in the federal social media MDL (No. 3047), and a 2026 Los Angeles jury ruled against YouTube. Children who used YouTube before 18 may qualify.
Why families are suing Google
The lawsuits allege that YouTube 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. Google denies these claims.
- Autoplay, which starts the next video automatically
- An endless feed of recommended videos and Shorts
- Recommendations ranked to maximize watch time
- Limited parental controls
Who may qualify
- Your child used YouTube 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
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.