Global National: March 28, 2024 | Why 4 Ontario school boards are suing 3 social media giants

Four Ontario school boards have launched lawsuits against Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat over allegations their platforms are designed for compulsive use and have rewired the way children think, behave, and learn. Abigail Bimman reports on how much money the school boards are seeking, how many hours a day kids and teens are logged onto social media and how the tech companies are responding.

In Ottawa, the public inquiry into foreign interference heard from Stéphane Perrault, Canada's chief electoral officer, who says there are not many rules that govern how political parties select candidates in individual ridings. As David Akin reports, the inquiry heard of at least one case where foreign actors took advantage of that lack of oversight.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Israel to ensure basic food supplies get into the Gaza Strip unimpeded and "without delay." Most of the people in northern Gaza are at risk of starving to death, according to a report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which is backed by the United Nations (UN). Crystal Goomansingh reports on Israel's response and the growing signs of famine in Gaza.

Maryland is getting $60 million in U.S. federal relief to help with the cleanup and rebuilding of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge. It collapsed after the Dali cargo ship crashed into it, killing two people and leaving four others presumed dead. Joel Senick explains what is being learned about the catastrophe from the boat's digital audio recorder and how families of the victims are desperate for answers.

Timekeepers have discovered the world's clocks may need to lose one second to stay on time with the Earth's rotation, which has slightly slowed down. Eric Sorensen explains how this "negative leap second" is linked to climate change and why losing one second of time matters much more than you might think.

Plus, the Barkley Marathons is widely considered the world's toughest foot race, challenging competitors to run through 160 kilometres of rugged terrain in just 60 hours. Neetu Garcha looks at how Chilliwack, B.C. ultra runner Ihor Verys and British ultra runner Jasmin Paris both made history by finishing the gruelling race—and what they endured to shatter records.

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[miketammaro]

How about parents start a lawsuit against the school board for the low quality of education?

[beckee]

Why are parents giving their kids smartphones? Parents are so lazy these days. They’re on their own phones more than their kids are.

[NarfRednef]

The world is going mad. Where are the I just don't understand.

[haydendegrow]

My grandfather once told me that "giving up is the biggest mistake you can make in life". Ihor just proved that. Well done, man! All of Canada salutes you!

[mastert]

Facts, cellphones are banned in Ontario schools.

[joetseng]

Who is facilitating social media access for school kids?

[tavib]

kids doesn't suppose to have internet access at school, at home exist parental control, and a lot off parents don't know or don't care

[georgesimon]

School boards need to teach fundamentals to create strong kids not the weak defects they produce now.

[commonsensecraziness]

As usual, these adult children want to blame someone else for their own inadequacies.
Yes, social media does take advantage of children (and adults) to increase facetime and generate money.
Why don't you limit screen time with children and teach them the manipulative techniques to watch out for?
Because you're children yourselves and abdicated your responsibility as adults to everyone else, including the government.

[aaronk]

High school in 2012 you couldn’t even have your phone. Now they can live stream on TikTok during class? Why?

[hondapete]

Well that's a good one blame what the kids are looking at on their phones, it's the education system that's at fault the teachers today aren't trained to deal with Kids using phones in classes to them it's one less problem . myself growing up in the uk in the 60s i was taught to respect but had a hard time compiling . today's Kids are on a rough trip

[ericwolf]

4:28 - Finally, the Prime Minister is sitting down with people of his own capability. That kid in the pink sweater was giving him a piece of her mind :)

[kornNpunk]

Will 4.5bil stop kids from using social media 😂 money thirsty schools!

[BillInnes]

In order to sue in civil court you have to prove money damages to the party who is suing.
Its the kids who are being harmed, not the school boards. This should be a class action suit by the parents.

[patientzero]

Canada needs a adjudicator to tally all the weakpoints within Canadian institutions.

[TrackSuitMafiaBro]

Glad to hear those 4 ON school boards are going after these social media platforms. I hope their case and the ones in the US win big payouts for all the damage these tech companies have caused and that they're forced to change their terrible business practices. Those three companies, and several others, should be ashamed of themselves!

[ianarchibald]

Public schools haven't been teaching children for a very long time. Public schools serve the teachers and the boards NOT kids. All public schools need to be abolished and parents should have other options.
Oh, and if you can't afford to take care of or educate your own kids, then don't have them! Simple.

[justadildeau]

I will not hear anything about the holocaust anymore. Thanks

[kittyfan]

umm...the School Boards had better have an ironclad contract with all the lawyers. If they lose, not only are they responsible for their own lawyers, they're responsible for the costs to Meta and the others as well in Canada. ""we only pay the lawyers if we win"" is a pipe dream....and not legal here. Just saying....

[leeway]

These social medias need to create Dycare for parents to teach them how to raise heathy children