Reviewed by the legal team at Estey & Bomberger, LLP · Updated November 14, 2026
Every family's story is different, and no website checklist can tell you for certain whether you have a case. But most strong TikTok addiction cases share a few things in common. If several of these sound familiar, please reach out.
1. Heavy use of TikTok (or another app)
The cases involve compulsive use — usually several hours a day, over weeks or months — where a child felt unable to stop. Signs include losing sleep to scroll, panicking when the phone is taken away, dropping old hobbies and friends, and using the app in secret. TikTok is our focus, but we also handle cases involving Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and Facebook. Many kids use more than one; tell us about all of them.
2. The use started when they were a minor
These lawsuits are about what the apps did to children and teens. Most clients are kids and teenagers today, or young adults whose heavy use and problems began before they turned 18. If your child is under 18, a parent or legal guardian brings the claim for them.
3. A serious mental health injury
The cases involve conditions such as:
- Eating disorders — anorexia, bulimia, binge eating
- Body dysmorphia
- Severe depression and severe anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts, self-harm or a suicide attempt
- Death by suicide
- Sextortion or sexual exploitation through the app
4. Diagnosis or treatment
Records help prove the injury. That can be a diagnosis or treatment from a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, school counselor, hospital or treatment program. If your child hasn't been seen yet but is struggling, please get them help first — see our guide to getting mental health help. We can still talk.
5. You haven't already hired a lawyer for this
If you already have a lawyer for a social media case, talk with them first. If you contacted another firm but never signed anything, you can still speak with us.
What If I'm Not Sure?
Call us anyway. Parents often don't know exactly how many hours their child spent on the app or what to call a diagnosis — that's normal. We'll ask simple questions, help you find the records, and give you a straight answer. There is no cost and no obligation, and everything you share is confidential.
Start my free case review or call (858) 923-5554
Don't wait too long. Every state has deadlines for filing (statutes of limitations). For minors the clock is often paused, but not always, and wrongful death deadlines can be short. A quick call protects your options.