Dear ,

I am writing to you today with news that stopped me in my tracks — and I know it will

stop you too.

Today, a California jury delivered a landmark verdict finding Meta (Instagram) and

Google (YouTube) legally responsible for the depression, anxiety, and body

dysmorphia suffered by a 20-year-old young woman who became addicted to their

platforms as a child. The jury awarded $3 million in damages, with punitive damages

still to be decided. Around 2,000 similar lawsuits are waiting.

A court of law has now confirmed what many parents have suspected and what I

have been saying for years: these platforms were deliberately designed to hook your

children.

This young woman described sneaking off to the school bathroom to check

her likes. She compared herself to filtered images until she could barely

recognise herself. She could not focus on school because the algorithm would

not let go.

She is 20 now. But her struggle started long before that.

Here is what I want you to do this week:

• �� Plan one real-life activity with your teenager this week — something tha

has nothing to do with a screen

• �� Sit down together for a digital audit — no blame, just honest curiosity abou

what the data shows

• �� Ask them: 'Who is your favourite influencer right now, and what do you lov

about them?' Then truly listen to the answer

• �� Ask about their offline friends, hobbies, and interests — show them thei

whole life matters to you, not just the visible online parts

• ��️ Have one honest, open conversation this week using my Communicatio

Cascade: Connect first, then seek to Understand, and only then offer Guidance

The algorithms are sophisticated and powerful. But you have something they never

will: a real relationship with your child.

Use it. Nurture it. Protect it.

If you want support in having these conversations with your teenager, I am

here.

Visit latifahajet.com to explore my coaching programmes, or reply to this email and

let me know what you are navigating right now. Every message matters to me.

With love and purpose,

Latifah Ajetunmobi

Registered Nurse | Midwife | Parent & Teen Coach | Author, The Phone-Free Teenager

latifahajet.com