Dozens of US states are suing Meta Platforms and its Instagram unit, accusing them of causing harm to a youths' mental health through the addictive nature of their social media platforms.

In a complaint filed in the Oakland, California federal court on Tuesday, 33 states including California and Illinois said Meta, which also operates Facebook, has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its platforms.

It said the platforms knowingly induced young children and teenagers into addictive and compulsive social media use.

"Research has shown that young people's use of Meta's social media platforms is associated with depression, anxiety, insomnia, interference with education and daily life, and many other negative outcomes," the complaint said as reported by Reuters.

Meta said that it had sought to make young people safe online.

"We're disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path," Meta said in a statement.

"Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage, and ultimately ensnare youth and teens," the complaint said. "Its motive is profit."

The lawsuit seeks a variety of remedies, including substantial civil penalties.