Social Media Companies and Kentucky Schools

May 16, 2026, 18:34
USTechnology

Introduction

Some big social media companies paid money to a school district in Kentucky. The schools said these apps hurt the mental health of students.

Main Body

The Breathitt County School District sued the companies. The schools said the apps are addictive. They wanted $60 million to help students with their mental health. YouTube, Snap, and TikTok agreed to pay money to end the case. We do not know how much money they paid. Meta is still in court. Other schools in the USA have similar problems. Other courts in Los Angeles and New Mexico also said these companies were wrong. Some experts think the companies might pay billions of dollars in total. The companies say they have tools to keep children safe.

Conclusion

Some companies paid the schools, but Meta is still in court. Many other schools are waiting for their own court dates.

Learning

πŸ’‘ The Power of "To Be"

In this text, we see how the word is/are changes depending on who we are talking about. This is the most important rule for A2 students.

The Pattern:

  • One thing/person β†’\rightarrow is
  • Many things/people β†’\rightarrow are

Examples from the story:

  1. Meta is still in court. (Meta = 1 company β†’\rightarrow is)

  2. The apps are addictive. (Apps = many β†’\rightarrow are)

  3. Other schools... have similar problems. (Wait! Here we use 'have' because it is an action, not a description!)

Quick Guide for You:

  • Use is for: He, She, It, or one name (e.g., TikTok is big).
  • Use are for: You, We, They, or many names (e.g., Students are tired).

Vocabulary Learning

school (n.)
A place where children learn and study.
Example:The school starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
money (n.)
Currency used to buy goods and services.
Example:She saved her money to buy a new book.
hurt (v.)
To cause pain or injury.
Example:He fell and hurt his knee.
help (v.)
To give assistance or support.
Example:Can you help me carry these boxes?
end (v.)
To finish or stop something.
Example:The movie will end at 10 p.m.
court (n.)
A place where legal cases are heard.
Example:The case will be decided in court next week.
safe (adj.)
Protected from danger or harm.
Example:Make sure the children are safe before leaving.
children (n.)
Young people who are not yet adults.
Example:The park is a favorite place for children.
problem (n.)
A difficult or troublesome situation.
Example:We need to find a solution to this problem.
big (adj.)
Large in size or amount.
Example:They built a big house on the hill.