Firm selected to represent Hancock County Schools in social media lawsuit

Hancock County Schools officials are moving forward with plans to join a nationwide lawsuit regarding the impact of social media on youth mental health. The school board selected the Weirton-based law firm Frankovitch, Anetakis, Simon, Decapio & Pearl due to its experience with class-action lawsuits. Superintendent Dan Enich emphasized the firm's connections within the campaign against major social media platforms. This decision follows discussions among several West Virginia school systems, some of which have already joined similar lawsuits targeting companies like TikTok and Snapchat. A Johns Hopkins survey indicates that nearly half of teens use the internet "almost constantly," with a significant percentage of younger children also engaging with social media.

While the study acknowledges some positive aspects of social media use, it warns of negative effects, such as social isolation and lack of sleep. Enich confirmed that no specific incident within Hancock County Schools led to the decision to participate in the lawsuit, highlighting a proactive approach to address potential mental health concerns. The board's actions reflect a growing awareness of the challenges posed by social media in educational environments.