"Meta and Google enlisted trusted children's brands such as Sesame Street, Girl Scouts and Highlights magazine to teach kids to use technology in moderation - even as the companies designed apps that made it difficult for those same young users to unplug, public statements and internal documents show."
"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."
"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."
""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?""
Meta and Google sponsored well-known children’s organizations to teach kids and parents about using technology in moderation. The lessons were delivered through familiar characters, magazines, and songs, supported by tens of millions of dollars. The partnerships drew criticism because the same companies created apps that made it hard for young users to stop using them. Critics said the sponsorships encourage dependence on social media, especially for children under 12, an age pediatricians often consider too young for smartphone ownership. Parent advocates argued the deals weaken trust in long-standing institutions and conflict with ongoing lawsuits alleging addictive product design that harmed youth mental health. A prior trial ended with a $6 million judgment against the companies.
Read at New York Post
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