Dozens of American states on Tuesday accused Facebook and Instagram owner Meta of profiting "from children's pain," damaging their mental health and misleading people about the safety of its social media platforms.

In total, more than 40 states are suing Meta, though some opted to file in local courts rather than join in the federal case.

Meta has exploited young users by creating a business model designed to maximize time they spend on the platform despite harm to their health, the joint lawsuit filed in federal court in California claimed.

"Kids and teenagers are suffering from record levels of poor mental health and social media companies like Meta are to blame," New York Attorney General Letitia James in a statement announcing the suit.

The suit urges the federal court to order Meta to stop manipulative tactics and pay hefty financial penalties along with restitution, according to James.

Meta said it was "disappointed" by the suit and that the states were not working with the array of social media companies to create age-appropriate standards.

Meta maintained that it has developed more than 30 tools in its apps to support teenage users, and made it easier for parents to "shape" online activity.

The Silicon Valley tech firm contended it is disappointing that attorneys general have singled out Meta instead of seeking industry-wide solutions given the popularity of rivals including TikTok, YouTube and Snap.

Social media can also be a place where young people struggling with other issues in their lives go to find support of community, Meta maintained.