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Attorney outlines nationwide social‑media litigation; board asks staff for more information and takes no immediate action
Summary
Attorney Brian Colon briefed the Grants‑Cibola board on social media's effects on student mental health and a multidistrict litigation seeking platform accountability; after questions the board declined to join the litigation that night and asked staff to conduct due diligence and follow up with the attorney.
Brian Colon, an attorney representing multiple school districts in multidistrict litigation (MDL) against social‑media platforms, told the Grants‑Cibola County Schools board that social media is linked to student mental‑health challenges and that hundreds of districts nationwide are pursuing cases to change corporate behavior.
Colon described clinical definitions of social‑media addiction, cited a 2023 surgeon‑general conversation about youth use, and said platforms use algorithms to maximize engagement. "Social media has amplified those demands in the classrooms and in homes," he said, arguing that platforms design products to keep users engaged and that those design choices create harms schools must address.
Colon outlined the litigation approach his firm uses, emphasizing contingency agreements and that districts would not pay costs unless there is recovery. He said the MDL includes negligence and public‑nuisance theories and noted many school districts have signed on; he offered to provide materials and town‑hall formats other districts have used.
After a lengthy Q&A, the board moved to the scheduled executive session and later reconvened. In open session the board "does not wish to take action" on joining litigation that night, instead directing the superintendent and staff to gather more information and consult further with Colon about what joining would entail.
Colon said he would remain available for further conversations and the superintendent and staff will report back to the board before any decision to join litigation is made.
