Seven families in France have reportedly filed a lawsuit against TikTok, one of the most popular social media platforms today, for exposing their teenage children to dangerous content that may have led to two instances of suicide. The families claim that videos related to suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders were promoted by the algorithm TikTok on their children's accounts-all teenagers-which misled them onto a harmful track.

The Creteil judicial court is leading the joint lawsuit, lawyer Laure Boutron-Marmion said to broadcaster Franceinfo, that it’s the first case of its kind in Europe. "The parents want TikTok's legal liability to be recognised in court," Boutron-Marmion explained, emphasizing that TikTok, as a “commercial company offering a product to consumers who are, in addition, minors,” must be held accountable for its influence and the content on its platform.

TikTok’s influence on youth

TikTok, just like most other social media applications, has faced increasing pressure over its inability to control objectionable content for a long time. According to the families, it is the powerful algorithm serving personalized video recommendations from the platform that has exposed vulnerable youths to content undermining their mental health.

It is not just TikTok that is facing such criticism. Hundreds of lawsuits face Meta's Facebook and Instagram in the United States where it has been accused of addicting children and teenagers on its platform to the level of mental health issues around the globe. Critics are saying these companies are not doing enough to protect impressionable minds while making tons of money through high engagement rates.

Mental health on TikTok

While TikTok could not immediately be reached for comment regarding this lawsuit, the company has previously said that it takes the mental health of its young users seriously. This year, TikTok's Chief Executive Officer, Shou Zi Chew, told U.S. lawmakers that the company is committed to investing in measures aimed at safeguarding minors on the platform. Questions, however, linger on whether such measures are effective enough to shield vulnerable users from harmful content.

This will be an important judicial ruling in the European continent on social media liability for the psychological well-being of children. For now, the families are looking forward to more than justice with their losses but stronger legislation that would probably guard other children against the after-effects of unregulated web content.