Gov. Sanders announces plan to empower parents to sue Big Tech for role in teen mental health crisis

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders made a significant announcement on Friday regarding her state’s approach to addressing the national youth mental health crisis. She revealed plans to empower parents to take legal action against Big Tech companies in order to hold them accountable for their actions.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland next week, Sanders will be joined by author Jonathan Haidt to discuss the negative impact of smartphones and social media on America’s youth. The bipartisan session will also include Kentucky Democratic Governor Andy Beshear to discuss state priorities and the role of state governments in a presidential transition.

Sanders emphasized the importance of protecting children in the digital age, stating that anxiety, depression, and suicide rates among teens have surged due to unrestricted access to phones and social media. She highlighted her administration’s efforts to address this issue, including the launch of a phone-free-school pilot program in 2024 and updates to the state’s Social Media Safety Act.

In her State of the State address, Sanders stressed the need for modern solutions to combat modern threats, particularly when it comes to protecting children from the harmful effects of social media. She shared the heartbreaking story of a mother from Centerton, Arkansas, whose son tragically took his own life after being exposed to harmful content on social media.

Sanders vowed to give parents the right to sue Big Tech companies under state law to hold them accountable for their role in the mental health crisis. She expressed her commitment to empowering parents and protecting children from the dangers of unrestricted access to technology.

Jonathan Haidt, who will be appearing with Sanders at Davos, highlighted the sharp decline in mental health among young people following the rise of social media in 2012 and 2013. He emphasized the need to address the negative impact of technology on mental health and called for greater accountability from Big Tech companies.

As Sanders continues to advocate for the well-being of America’s youth, her efforts to address the national youth mental health crisis through legal action against Big Tech companies mark a significant step towards protecting children from the harmful effects of social media.