Meta and Google fund US kids' groups, as critics warn of social media risk

Meta (META.OQ) and Google (GOOGL.OQ) have funded children’s organizations (Sesame Street, Girl Scouts, Highlights) to deliver digital-safety lessons, a strategy Reuters says risks reputational damage amid lawsuits alleging the companies designed addictive apps that harmed youth. The partnerships—backed by millions—are criticized as promoting device use to younger audiences while potentially undermining trusted institutions and drawing regulatory and legal scrutiny. Market implications include heightened reputational and litigation risk for the tech giants, possible policy or regulatory responses, and investor concern over brand trust and long-term user engagement models that drive ad revenue. Notable disclosed amounts include Google’s pledge of at least $20 million for digital well‑being programs and a $6 million judgment in the first trial against the companies.