Meta and Google enlisted trusted children's brands like Sesame Street, Girl Scouts, and Highlights magazine to teach kids to use technology in moderation—even as the companies designed apps that made it difficult for young users to unplug, according to public statements and internal documents.
Backed by tens of millions of dollars from the tech giants, these organizations delivered lessons about personal responsibility using colorful magazines, popular characters, and catchy songs.
The sponsorships are fueling criticism that the companies are finding new ways to encourage kids to become dependent on social media, particularly by partnering with brands aimed at children under 12—an age pediatricians say is too young for smartphone ownership.
Parent advocates say the partnerships weaken trust in decades-old institutions. The tech giants face multiple lawsuits accusing them of designing addictive products that harmed youth mental health.
Meta and Google declined to say how much they paid the organizations. However, Google pledged at least $20 million to support digital well-being groups.
