Attorney General Tong speaks to Fairfield students on social media dangers

He wanted to hear from students on how they consume social media content and the effect it has on their mental health, well-being and social lives.

Rose Shannon

Dec 19, 2024, 9:58 PM

Updated 7 days ago

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Attorney General William Tong spoke to students at Fairfield Warde High School Thursday about the dangers of social media.
Tong says it's important for young people to be responsible and careful when using social media.
He wanted to hear from students on how they consume social media content and the effect it has on their mental health, well-being and social lives.
Last October, Tong and a group of attorneys general sued Meta for their harmful features and getting children addicted to their social media platforms.
Tong says he joined the suit because Meta had a "purposeful and intentional effort to get young people addicted to social media."
He says young women, specifically teenage girls are likely to consume information that is harmful and can lead to low self-esteem and depression.
The students' feedback will provide Tong with insight on how to proceed with the case.
"Kids are being hit with an avalanche of technology and devices and social media and content. And we've got to push back and give people some breathing room. Give them some space to live their lives, to be healthy, to not be addicted to their devices and spend time with each other, especially in the holidays. Talk to each other, go outside," Tong says.
Tong also has an active investigation into Tik Tok.