A statewide partnership with the Children's Funding Project aims to direct any social media lawsuit settlement funds toward effective programs that support Tennessee youth.

Boys and Girls Clubs in Tennessee has been chosen by the Children's Funding Project to lead the state's Fund IRL (Investing in Real Life) initiative. This national project seeks to ensure that any funds from social media lawsuits go toward programs that improve youth mental health, build real-world connections, and create opportunities for young people.

Attorneys general and local governments across the nation, including Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, have brought lawsuits against social media firms over claims that their platforms harmed youth mental health, increased isolation, and encouraged addictive online habits. Fund IRL works with states now to prepare for any future settlements by focusing on evidence-based solutions.

As the lead group in Tennessee, Boys and Girls Clubs in Tennessee will bring together youth-serving groups, policymakers, educators, and community leaders to support investments in programs that cut screen time and strengthen bonds with caring adults and peers.

"The discussion should not stop at holding social media companies responsible," said Bart McFadden, Executive Director of Boys and Girls Clubs in Tennessee. "The bigger chance lies in making sure settlement funds help the young people most impacted. We can turn accountability into real progress by growing access to afterschool programs, mentoring, workforce training, sports, arts, and other activities that help youth form healthy relationships and reach their goals."

The American Psychological Association reports that teens spend nearly five hours daily on social media, and those with the highest use face the most mental health issues. Nearly 80 percent of a child's waking hours fall outside school, and for every child in an afterschool program in Tennessee, four others wait for a spot.

Former Boys and Girls Club member and youth advocate Aubri understands these issues from personal experience. "Growing up, I had far too much internet access," Aubri said. "I faced online exploitation, and only after sharing my story did I learn that millions of other kids and teens deal with the same problems daily."

Today Aubri works with state and federal policymakers and has taught thousands of young people about online safety. She sees the answer going beyond technology. "It is a tough talk right now, especially as we lose many third spaces," Aubri said. "Those places to go after school to spend time with friends in a safe setting. Boys and Girls Club serves as a third space and also offers built-in mentors."

Fund IRL urges states to put future settlement money into proven youth development approaches such as afterschool and summer learning, mentoring, sports, arts education, workforce development, family engagement, and mental health services. These investments would add to current funding rather than replace it and would not favor any one group or program.

Boys and Girls Clubs in Tennessee welcomes youth-serving groups, school systems, mental health providers, faith-based and philanthropic partners, businesses, and parents to join this statewide coalition. The group will shape policy talks, highlight the views of young people and families, and push for careful use of any future settlement funds. Groups interested in joining can reach out to Boys and Girls Clubs in Tennessee.

"There may be no better investment Tennessee can make than in the children these dollars were meant to protect," McFadden said.

PRESS CONTACT:
Zane Hagy
[email protected]
865-384-8564

SOURCE Boys and Girls Clubs in Tennessee