US and Spain confront social media harms to schoolchildren

Internal documents revealed by a major newspaper show that TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and Instagram used tactics such as keeping notifications active during school hours, paying parent‑teacher groups and employing teen ambassadors to keep minors online. Over 1,400 U.S. school districts sued the platforms, alleging damage to academic performance and mental health. The companies settled for a total of $27 million—Meta $9 million, Snap $8 million, TikTok $8 million and Google $2 million—while broader legal actions continue across the United States.

In Huelva, Spain, police officials report a surge in digital threats to minors, recording 4,594 cyber‑crimes in 2025, a 27 % rise from the previous year. Authorities highlight risks such as extortion, grooming, dangerous viral challenges, and over‑exposure of personal data. Police units are conducting school‑based training programs to raise awareness about online safety and protect young people from physical and emotional harm.