JACKSON, Ky. (WMDJ) — The Breathitt County School District has reached settlements totaling approximately $27 million with several major social media companies over claims their platforms contributed to a youth mental health crisis.

According to records, the largest settlement came from Meta Platforms, which agreed to pay $9 million. Snap Inc. and ByteDance each agreed to pay $8 million, while Alphabet paid just over $2 million.

The lawsuit alleged the companies designed their platforms in ways that encouraged excessive use among young people, contributing to issues such as anxiety, depression and self-harm. The district argued schools were left to address the consequences through increased mental health services and support programs.

Breathitt County Schools had sought more than $60 million to help fund a long-term mental health program and cover costs associated with student support services.

The district serves about 1,600 students and was scheduled to become the first school district in the country to take similar claims against social media companies to trial before the settlements were reached.

The case is considered significant because more than 1,200 other school districts nationwide have filed similar lawsuits. Larger districts, including those in Los Angeles and New York City, are also pursuing claims against social media companies.

The companies have denied wrongdoing and say they have implemented measures designed to protect younger users on their platforms.