Meta and Google Back US Kids' Groups Amid Social Media Risk Concerns

• Critics compare the partnerships to 'Sesame Street teaming up with Philip Morris,' arguing the companies cannot provide neutral guidance when their advertising revenue depends on keeping minors engaged on devices
• Sponsored materials include Girl Scout merit badges for digital content creation and Highlights Magazine instructions for making smartphone 'sleeping bags' for readers aged 6-12, which advocates say normalizes early smartphone ownership
• The first lawsuit against Meta and Google over youth mental health harm ended with a $6 million judgment, while pediatricians note the educational lessons don't address core issues like algorithmic recommendations that make apps harder to quit

Summary

Meta and Google have directed tens of millions of dollars to trusted children's brands including Sesame Street, Girl Scouts, and Highlights Magazine to teach kids about technology moderation, even as critics allege their apps are designed to maximize engagement and create dependency.

Key Financial Data:

• Google pledged at least $20 million in 2024 to support digital well-being groups
• Highlights Magazine received at least $5 million from Google
• One lawsuit resulted in a $6 million judgment against the companies
• Both companies generate billions in advertising revenue from businesses marketing to minors

Main Partnerships:

• Google sponsors Sesame Street, Highlights, and Girl Scouts programs
• Meta sponsors Girl Scouts initiatives
• Google distributed 250,000 extra Highlights copies through organizations like Save the Children

Core Controversy:

The partnerships are drawing criticism as tech giants face multiple lawsuits alleging they designed addictive products harming youth mental health. Internal Meta documents from 2018 show researchers discussing forming alliances where "third parties can vouch for the thoroughness" of their approach to address "addiction claims."

Expert Concerns:

Pediatricians argue the educational content focuses on personal responsibility rather than addressing core issues of engagement-engineered apps. Children's media researchers note programs like Girl Scouts' Meta-sponsored curriculum may prime children under 12 to desire social media access before reaching minimum age requirements. Critics compare the strategy to historical tobacco industry tactics of partnering with trusted institutions for reputation management.

Both companies defend their partnerships, citing industry-leading safeguards and family controls, though they declined to disclose total sponsorship amounts.