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Lessons for K-12 schools from the Meta landmark court case, peptide wellness trend, and March Madness

Engagement vs. Well-Being: What students and educators can learn from the Meta & YouTube lawsuit

The Gist: A recent court decision is putting a spotlight on how social media platforms are designed and how those designs impact young users. A jury found that Meta and YouTube were negligent in a case involving a young user’s mental health, raising new questions about how platforms balance engagement with well-being. As more families, educators, and lawmakers engage in conversations about screen time, mental health, and digital habits, this case adds another layer to the discussion: how much influence do platforms have, and how can students be supported in navigating that influence effectively?

What to Know: In this landmark case, a now 20-year-old woman identified as K.G.M. argued that features like infinite scrolling and algorithm-driven recommendations contributed to her anxiety and depression. The jury ruled in her favor, ordering Meta to pay $4.2 million and YouTube $1.8 million in compensatory and punitive damages.

The case is considered a “bellwether case,” meaning it could influence many similar lawsuits moving forward. K.G.M.’s legal team compared social media platforms to addictive products like cigarettes or casinos, arguing that certain design features are intentionally created to keep users engaged for extended periods of time. These include autoplay videos, endless content feeds, and recommendation algorithms that continuously serve personalized content.

The jury’s decision signals a shift in how responsibility may be viewed when it comes to user well-being. Rather than focusing solely on individual usage, the case examined how platform design itself can shape behavior over time. This could lead to increased legal and public pressure on tech companies to reconsider how their products are built, especially for younger audiences.

At the same time, companies like Meta and YouTube have previously stated that they have introduced tools aimed at supporting user well-being, such as screen time reminders and content controls. This highlights the ongoing tension between creating engaging platforms and implementing safeguards for users. 

TSI’s Take: While platforms play a role in shaping online experiences, students also benefit from learning how to navigate technology with intention and building healthy tech habits. Instead of focusing only on restricting access or creating fear around social media, schools and families have an opportunity to empower and equip students with the skills to strike a healthy balance. Teaching students to strike a balance means helping them understand how to navigate technology in ways that support their goals, rather than distract from them. When students build this skill, they can:

• Recognize when they’re scrolling out of habit versus purpose
• Set boundaries around screen time that align with their priorities
• Use platforms for connection, creativity, and learning, without feeling controlled by them

Looking to support students in building these habits? The #WinAtSocial Lesson, Tech Time Management and Our Goals, helps students reflect on how they spend their time online and make choices that align with what matters most to them, both on and off their screens.

The “Easy Fix” Trap: Navigating health trends, like Peptides, online

The Gist: Fitness and wellness trends are constantly evolving on social media, often driven by influencers who share tips, routines, and products with their audiences. A growing trend involves influencers promoting peptides, substances marketed as helping with muscle growth and recovery. While these claims may sound appealing, health experts are raising concerns about the safety and effectiveness of these products, reminding students that not everything trending online is as safe as it seems.

What to Know: Peptides are being widely promoted across social platforms as a quick way to build muscle, recover faster, or even improve overall wellness. Influencers often market these products directly to their followers, presenting them as effective solutions without always providing clear scientific evidence or medical guidance.

Health experts warn that many of these peptides are unregulated and unapproved, meaning they have not gone through proper safety testing. Some products sold online may contain inaccurate labeling or unknown ingredients, increasing potential health risks. In some cases, peptides are administered through injections, which adds another layer of risk if not done under medical supervision.

Research also suggests that misinformation around fitness and health products can spread quickly online, especially when it’s presented as an “easy fix” or a shortcut to results. This makes it harder for students to distinguish between credible advice and content designed to gain views or promote sales.

While some peptides are being studied for medical use, many of the products promoted online lack strong scientific backing for the claims being made. Relying on unverified products instead of evidence-based guidance from a medical expert can lead to unintended health consequences. This highlights a broader pattern in social media, where wellness trends can gain popularity quickly, regardless of their safety or accuracy.

TSI’s Take: Trends like the rise in peptides highlight how powerful influencer content can be when it comes to shaping students’ choices about their health and wellness. When it comes to making decisions about fitness, diet, or supplements, students should be advised to consult medical professionals, not social media creators. Medical misinformation can spread quickly online, especially when it’s framed as a fast or easy solution, but these shortcuts can come with real risks.

By building modern life skills around evaluating influencers and content, students can:

• Think critically about who they trust: Consider whether the person sharing advice has real expertise or is simply following a trend.
• Pause before acting on trends: Take time to research and reflect instead of immediately trying something because it’s popular.
• Recognize unrealistic or “quick fix” promises: Be cautious of content that guarantees fast results, especially when it involves health or body changes.
• Seek out trusted guidance: Turn to medical professionals or credible sources when making decisions that impact health and well-being.

To support these skills, the #WinAtSocial Lessons, Online Influencers and Their Impact and Misinformation Online, help students evaluate what they see online, identify trustworthy sources, and make informed decisions in a world where trends move fast and not all advice is created equal.

The Hidden Side of March Madness: Sports betting and student pressure

The Gist: March Madness is more popular than ever, and so is the sports betting that comes with it. Apps and platforms have made wagering easier than ever, and what starts as a fun way to engage with games can quickly turn into financial, legal, and emotional burdens. When a behavior goes mainstream, the risks don’t disappear. They just become easier to overlook.

What to Know: Promotions and conversations about betting are becoming more common on and around college campuses, and even in high schools. For many students, this exposure can make betting feel like a typical part of the experience rather than a serious financial and behavioral decision. 

A national survey conducted for the National Council on Problem Gambling found that 65% of U.S. adults aged 21 and older reported gambling before turning 21, and nearly a quarter had placed a sports bet. Meanwhile, a report from earlier this year found that 36% of boys aged 11-17 had gambled in the past year. These statistics highlight how early exposure to gambling is already happening, often before it is legally allowed.

The ease of placing bets through mobile apps can also make it easier to spend money quickly without fully understanding the long-term impact. While some view betting as entertainment, it can lead to increased stress, especially if students feel pressure to win money, keep up with friends, or recover losses. 

TSI’s Take: As sports betting becomes more easily accessible (and legal in 40 states), the normalizing of gambling is already happening, and the students who learn to navigate these pressures thoughtfully today will be better equipped to make sound financial and personal decisions throughout their lives. That’s why learning to handle the pressure is so important, especially in moments where fitting in may feel more immediate than thinking long-term.

Educators can strengthen students’ ability to navigate pressure by encouraging them to:

• Pause and reflect before joining in: Take a moment to consider whether the decision aligns with their goals or is influenced by the moment
• Separate entertainment from financial risk: Recognize that betting involves real money and real consequences, not just fun or competition
• Build confidence in choosing differently: Feel comfortable opting out, even when others are participating
• Stay focused on personal priorities: Keep attention on academics, finances, and long-term goals rather than short-term excitement

To support these skills, the #WinAtSocial Lesson, Loot boxes while gaming, helps students explore ethical concerns about sports betting and alternative ways to engage with gaming that don’t include betting or gambling. And these skills can be applied to March Madness as well!

Students are navigating a world that moves fast and platforms that are designed to keep them engaged. That’s why modern life skills education is essential. When students learn to recognize platform design, think critically about the content they consume, and handle peer pressure with confidence, they are better equipped for whatever comes next. Want to bring these skills to your school community? Request a demo today.

The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in equipping students to navigate learning & well-being in a tech-fueled world. Through #WinAtSocial, our interactive, peer-to-peer learning platform, we empower students, educators, and families to make high-character choices online and offline. #WinAtSocial Lessons teach essential skills while capturing student voice and actionable insights for educators. These insights help educators maintain a healthy school culture, foster high-impact teaching, and build meaningful relationships with families. Our unique, student-respected approach empowers and equips students authentically, enabling our solution to increase classroom participation and improve student-teacher relationships. Through our one-of-a-kind lesson development process, we create lessons for a variety of core and elective classes while incorporating timely topics like social media, A.I., screen time, misinformation, and current events to help schools stay proactive in how they support student health, happiness, and academic success.