Leveraging Funding Streams: Turning Social Media Accountability Into Youth Opportunity

Moderated by Elizabeth Gaines of the Children’s Funding Project, the session examined lessons from previous public settlements, explored how future settlement funds could be invested in young people, and highlighted the critical role of youth voices in shaping both policy and solutions.

Gaines opened the webinar by framing what she described as a potential once-in-a-generation opportunity for communities to invest in young people. While emphasizing that the primary goal of the lawsuits is to hold social media companies accountable, she encouraged participants to begin thinking now about how any future settlement funds could be invested to support young people.

“If legal payouts do come, what do young people get? That’s our job.” 

Allie Farrell, also with Children’s Funding Project, provided an overview of the legal landscape surrounding more than 2,400 lawsuits against social media companies and introduced the work of the Fund IRL coalition. Highlighting the “Engage in Real Life” initiative in Spokane, Washington, she described how investments in afterschool programs and community spaces can give young people meaningful opportunities to connect offline. Farrell also noted that while nearly 30 million children would participate in afterschool programs if they were available, 3 in 4 currently miss out because of limited access.

“We’re talking about IRL — as in real-life opportunities where young people can connect, build relationships, explore their passions, and discover their identities.” 

The conversation then turned to two young leaders who shared their perspectives on what meaningful investments in youth could look like. Hansa Giridhar — a student, author, and STEM for All advocate — and Neha Shukla of Innovation for Everyone reflected on what young people need to thrive both online and offline.

Giridhar encouraged participants to think beyond reducing screen time and instead focus on creating meaningful alternatives for young people. She described how STEM programs, athletics, music, and other community experiences help young people discover purpose while building confidence, communication skills, resilience, and genuine human connection.

“Young people need more opportunities to belong offline.” 

Shukla continued and discussed the importance of pairing investments in afterschool and community programs with digital literacy, AI safety, and youth leadership so young people can navigate rapidly evolving technologies. She also urged participants to prepare for emerging challenges — including AI companions, deepfakes, and AI-generated misinformation — while ensuring young people remain active partners in shaping future solutions rather than being consulted after decisions have already been made.

“We’re creating a generation of young advocates that can speak their mind, articulate their experiences, and help shape solutions for the future.” 

Building on the perspectives of young leaders, the webinar then turned to two national partners working to advance policy and advocacy efforts focused on children’s well-being. Marianne Gibson of Inseparable and Rachel Franz, M.Ed., of Fairplay reflected on the partnerships, infrastructure, and accountability needed to ensure any future settlement funds create lasting impact.

Gibson discussed the importance of building strong state-level infrastructure before any settlement funds become available, noting that the conversation has attracted bipartisan attention from attorneys general and governors across the country. She encouraged advocates to prepare now by organizing around a clear message, building relationships with decision-makers, and elevating the voices of young people and families with lived experience to help shape future investments.

“There is not really one sector that can solve the youth mental health crisis. It really will take all of us to ensure that young people have what they need to thrive.” 

Franz reflected on Fairplay’s work alongside families whose children have experienced serious harms related to social media and other online platforms. She emphasized that efforts to hold technology companies accountable should be paired with investments in the experiences that help children thrive. Franz described Fund IRL as an opportunity to build the real-world experiences and relationships that help young people thrive while continuing to advocate for safer digital environments.

“We need both of those at the same time in order to truly build a world that honors children and childhood.” 

The webinar concluded with a timely update from Scott Palmer of EducationCounsel on the federal education tax credit, now being referred to as the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit. He shared the latest developments surrounding the tax credit, noting that important questions remain around eligible expenses, scholarship-granting organizations, and state implementation. Palmer encouraged participants to continue engaging during this critical window to help ensure the program supports a broad ecosystem of opportunities for young people, particularly those furthest from opportunity.