Google's Chromebooks are not only used in schools, but the company is actively trying to "onboard kids" into its ecosystem by investing in education. An internal Google presentation, obtained as part of a child safety lawsuit, reveals that getting young users hooked on Chromebooks early can lead to "brand trust and loyalty over their lifetime." This alarming claim raises questions about Google's intentions and how it is using its educational products to build long-term customer relationships.
As part of the ongoing social media addiction trial, which began in January 2026, documents suggest that YouTube has become a key player in this strategy. By establishing Chromebooks as a classroom staple, Google has created a captive audience for its services. The company's internal study on laptop brands used in schools highlights how these devices can influence purchase patterns and create a loyal customer base.
The presentation also mentions the importance of YouTube in schools, citing it as a potential "pipeline of future users" and creators. However, other slides acknowledge the challenges associated with introducing YouTube to educational settings, including the platform's addictive nature and its impact on mental health.
In response to these concerns, Google has released an emailed statement denying that its products are marketed directly to schools and claiming that administrators maintain control over platform usage. "Administrators maintain full control over platform usage and YouTube requires schools to obtain parental consent before granting access to YouTube for students under 18," the spokesperson stated.
As the trial continues, it remains to be seen how Google's plans will unfold. Will the company's efforts to build a loyal customer base through education ultimately harm or help young users? The outcome of this case may have significant implications for the tech industry and our understanding of the ways in which companies like Google engage with schools and students.
As part of the ongoing social media addiction trial, which began in January 2026, documents suggest that YouTube has become a key player in this strategy. By establishing Chromebooks as a classroom staple, Google has created a captive audience for its services. The company's internal study on laptop brands used in schools highlights how these devices can influence purchase patterns and create a loyal customer base.
The presentation also mentions the importance of YouTube in schools, citing it as a potential "pipeline of future users" and creators. However, other slides acknowledge the challenges associated with introducing YouTube to educational settings, including the platform's addictive nature and its impact on mental health.
In response to these concerns, Google has released an emailed statement denying that its products are marketed directly to schools and claiming that administrators maintain control over platform usage. "Administrators maintain full control over platform usage and YouTube requires schools to obtain parental consent before granting access to YouTube for students under 18," the spokesperson stated.
As the trial continues, it remains to be seen how Google's plans will unfold. Will the company's efforts to build a loyal customer base through education ultimately harm or help young users? The outcome of this case may have significant implications for the tech industry and our understanding of the ways in which companies like Google engage with schools and students.
This is wild, right? I mean, think about it - they're basically trying to create a lifelong customer base by getting kids hooked on their products early! It's like they're playing a long game here. And what really gets me is that they claim admins control everything, but the presentation shows how much thought they've put into making YouTube accessible in schools. 
They even acknowledge the potential risks, but it seems like they're willing to take those chances because the payoff could be huge.
but seriously what are the long-term effects on their mental health? is this really worth it for some brand loyalty 
And now they're denying that they're directly marketing to schools... like who are we supposed to believe? 
The fact that they think this can lead to "brand trust and loyalty" is just mind-blowing. What even is that phrase? It sounds like something a corporate lawyer would come up with! 
Anyway, I'm keeping an eye on this trial to see how it all plays out...
. What's next, getting them hooked on Google Ads too? 
But seriously, it raises some legit concerns about control and consent in educational settings. Schools are already under so much pressure, the last thing they need is another giant corporation trying to influence their curriculum or dictate what kids can and can't do online 
. Can't we just focus on making sure our schools have adequate internet and resources for real learning stuff instead? 
. They need to remember that parents and teachers are the ones who should be making decisions for their education, not Google 
If Google is trying to hook kids on Chromebooks from a young age, it's like they're setting them up for a lifetime of screen time addiction 
That's just creepy! 
I get that education is important, but at what cost? Our kids need to be able to disconnect from their devices and focus on the world around them 
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And what about all those hours of screen time that can lead to eye strain and headaches in kids? 
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It's like, what even is brand trust and loyalty over their lifetime? That sounds super sketchy to me. And now that YouTube is involved, I'm worried it's all part of some massive social media addiction experiment 
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They're acknowledging that YouTube is addictive and can affect mental health, but they just shrug it off like it's no big deal. Like, what about the kids' well-being? Shouldn't we be prioritizing their health over Google's profits?
I think they're just trying to spin this and make it look like they're doing the right thing.
We need to be careful about who we let in our kids' lives, you know? 
It's like, they're trying to create brand loyalty, which sounds super suspicious 
shouldn't they be teaching kids about online safety instead of getting them hooked on their own platform? 
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