© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Mother says social media built to addict children

Season 2026 Episode 39 | 4m 59s

Maurine Molach lost her son, David, in 2016 when he died by suicide. She is the co-founder of Parents for Safe Online Spaces, a coalition of families who have lost children to online harms and are bringing similar lawsuits. She is not a plaintiff in the case currently on trial. Ali Rogin spoke with Molach about social media's risks to children.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
February 18, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
What the Texas primaries could reveal about the midterms
News Wrap: Bhattacharya to serve as acting head of CDC
Ethan Hawke on his Oscar-nominated performance in 'Blue Moon'
Massive sewage spill in Potomac River becomes a political flashpoint
Minnesota schools and students struggle with fallout of immigration crackdown
Avalanche in Northern California kills at least 8 skiers
Zuckerberg takes stand in a landmark trial on youth social media addiction
U.S. cuts forces in Syria as its new government fights terror threat
February 17, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode