Attorney General Russell Coleman tackles social media addiction for minors

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman says protecting children from online addiction is the “new fight of our time,” comparing it to the state’s decade-long battle against opioids.

In a new op-ed published across the Commonwealth, Coleman highlighted recent legal victories, including a New Mexico jury verdict ordering Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to pay $375 million after accusations the platform allowed child predators to operate freely. A separate California jury also found Meta and YouTube designed their apps to be addictive and harmful to young users.

Kentucky is now part of a 29-state coalition suing major tech companies, including Meta, Google, TikTok and the gaming platform Roblox, for creating environments that exploit children. According to Coleman, the harm caused by social media and gaming platforms is difficult to quantify, but experts say it’s a problem every parent can understand. Endless scrolling, dopamine-driven notifications, and addictive game mechanics are designed to keep kids online far longer than they or their parents realize.

Michael Lemon, founder of Cyber Safe Families, says the problem has escalated sharply over the past five years.

“We’ve seen the addiction and exploitation of our children rise at a meteoric rate. Kids are getting technology at earlier and earlier ages, often before they’re ready,” Lemon said. Lemon says gaming platforms like Roblox are particularly concerning. While its cartoonish interface appears child-friendly, it hides spaces where predators can exploit vulnerable users. “There’s no truly safe app or game, but some are more dangerous than others. Roblox continues to show how unwilling it is to keep kids safe,” Lemon said.

Experts warn social media apps are intentionally designed to be addictive. Every element, from colors to in-game actions, is tested to keep users engaged for as long as possible, often targeting younger children specifically.

“Meta, YouTube, and TikTok have faced Congress multiple times, but they don’t change because it all comes down to money. The longer someone stays online, the more money they make,” Lemon explained.

While lawsuits are part of the solution, Coleman and Lemon emphasize that parents remain the critical line of defense. Teaching children safe online behavior, setting boundaries, and preparing them before they access games or social media is key. “Parents should educate children about the dangers of predators and online addiction before they even get a device. Education and clear rules are the most important steps,” Lemon said. Recent studies show that children spending more than two to three hours per day on social media are at higher risk for depression and other mental health issues, underscoring the importance of proactive parental guidance.

Coleman says the state will continue holding tech companies accountable, but success ultimately depends on parents actively teaching and protecting their children from online risks.