Meta and Google fund US kids' groups, as critics warn of social media risk By Reuters

"Alphabet's Google and Meta's sponsorships of those lessons are fueling criticism that the companies are finding new ways to encourage kids to become dependent on social media, particularly by partnering with brands aimed at children younger than 12, an age pediatricians say is often too young for smartphone ownership."

"Backed by tens of millions of dollars from the tech giants, these organizations delivered lessons about personal responsibility to hundreds of thousands of children and parents, using colorful magazines, popular characters and catchy songs, according to public statements."

"Meta and Google's properties generate billions of dollars in advertising revenue from businesses marketing to minors. That economic incentive, critics say, makes it difficult for the companies to offer unbiased guidance on screen use."

""It's like Sesame Street teaming up with Philip Morris to teach kids how to smoke cigarettes safely," said Rose Bronstein, whose 15-year-old son died by suicide after he was bullied online. "How is it any different?""

Alphabet’s Google and Meta sponsor children’s organizations and trusted youth brands to teach children and parents to use technology in moderation. Lessons are delivered through familiar characters, magazines, and songs, reaching hundreds of thousands of families. Public statements and internal documents indicate that the same companies also design apps that make it difficult for young users to unplug. Critics argue these partnerships encourage dependence on social media, especially for children under 12, an age pediatricians often say is too young for smartphone ownership. Parent advocates say the sponsorships weaken trust in long-standing institutions and conflict with guidance on screen use. The companies face lawsuits alleging addictive product design that harmed youth mental health, including a $6 million judgment in a case that reached trial.

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