HORATIO, Ark. — The Horatio School District Board of Directors approved the district’s participation in litigation against major social media companies at its October 13, 2026, meeting. This proactive step aims to protect children and advocate for student mental health. The board authorized Superintendent Dr. Michael Odom to execute an agreement for representation by Motley Rice, a South Carolina-based law firm involved in the national social media harm litigation.
The board’s action reflects a clear priority: protecting students’ well-being and their ability to learn, grow, and succeed.
School districts nationwide have been pursuing similar cases, most notably with Kentucky's Breathitt County School District who reached a $27 million dollar settlement with Meta, Snap, TikTok, and YouTube. These cases allege that major social media companies designed platforms with features that encourage excessive and compulsive use among young people, contributing to mental health concerns and placing additional demands on schools. The litigation seeks accountability and recovery of resources districts spend addressing the alleged harm.
By authorizing participation, the Horatio School Board is giving the district a voice in the broader effort to address alleged social media harm and the burdens it places on public education. The decision shows proactive leadership and a willingness to advocate for children as the challenges they face evolve.
The board’s action reinforces Horatio School District’s commitment to safe, supportive learning environments and to the principle at the heart of its mission: Every Learner – Every Dream – Every Day.