On the Radar: Meta Loses, ‘Auramaxxing’ and Sugary Drinks

Meta and YouTube Lose Bellwether Social Media Trials

What? According to the Associated Press, a jury in California found Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) and Google (parent company of YouTube) guilty of knowingly creating addictive products that caused mental harms to children. Additionally, a jury in New Mexico determined that Meta “concealed what it knew about child sexual exploitation on its platforms.”

So What? While it’s too soon to know exactly how this win will affect policy—Meta and Google are considering appealing the ruling—this is still a win for teens and parents. It validates the harms that social media has caused millions of users around the globe. And it demonstrates that the public is willing “to hold the companies responsible for harms and demand meaningful changes in how they operate.”

Now What? Parents can use this ruling to inform their decisions about social media. With younger children and tweens, the longer you can delay the introduction to social media, the better. With teens who already have social media, we encourage conversation about the topic: Ask your teen if he or she feels manipulated by these companies. Ask what they think about reducing their time on social media—or even quitting it entirely. And for more information about the effects of social media, check out our free Parents’ Guide to Technology 2026.

Teens Screaming in Public in ‘Auramaxxing’ Trend

What? “Auramaxxing” is making waves on TikTok and Instagram. According to The Guardian, the idea behind this trend is to improve your energy and overall presence—usually your online presence—so that people will perceive you in a better light.

So What? But lately, according to Thred, teens have been trying to improve their “aura score” by yelling out nonsense (or even alarming statements) in public and then quickly posing for a picture as bystanders turn around to look at them—thus making the shouter look like the center of attention.

Now What? Obviously, screaming in public creates something of a disturbance. And if your child shouts out something like “help me,” then they could also create undue panic. But on a deeper level, you may want to talk to your son or daughter about why they want to auramax at all. Rather than worrying about what others think of them, try to encourage your teen to just be themselves.

Studies Link Sugary Drinks to Rising Anxiety in Teens

What? According to a review conducted by researchers from Bournemouth University and published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, teens who regularly drink sugary drinks are more likely to report symptoms of anxiety.

So What? Most public health initiatives focus on the physical consequences of poor food choices; the mental health repercussions are “underexplored by comparison,” said one author of the study. While researchers weren’t sure if the sugary drinks caused the anxiety or whether the anxiety caused a higher consumption of such beverages, a correlation was still found and is considered “unhealthy.”

Now What? If your teen is a fan of sweet liquids—which includes fizzy sodas, energy drinks, sweetened juices, squashes, flavored milks and sweetened teas and coffees—they may want to cut back on that habit, especially if he or she is experiencing symptoms of anxiety. Experts say that balanced diets rich in whole foods can help improve overall physical and mental health, including symptoms of anxiety. Additionally, getting a good night’s sleep (which sugary drinks can impair, especially if caffeinated) can help reduce anxiety as well.