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TikTok is being sued by seven families in France, who accuse the social media giant of exposing their children to harmful content - leading two to take their own lives.

The case alleges the video platform's algorithm exposed them to content promoting self-harm, eating disorders and suicide, said Laure Boutron-Marmion, a lawyer for the families.

She told French media that the lawsuit was the first of its kind in Europe.

TikTok, which is one of the world's most popular social media platforms, said it had not received any notifications of legal proceedings relating to the claims.

The company added in a statement that its community guidelines do not allow for the showing, promoting or sharing plans for suicide or self-harm, and that it uses a combination of technology and moderation to ensure these standards are upheld.

The group lawsuit, which has been filed in the Créteil judicial court, is separate to a criminal complaint filed against TikTok last year by the parents of Marie - one of the two teenagers who killed herself.