Türkiye is reportedly taking steps to protect children from the risks of social media by working on regulations to restrict access for children under 13. The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) is drafting a proposal to ban children under 13 from using social media platforms, while the Ministry of Family and Social Services is collaborating with the Turkish Parliament to limit smartphone usage for children in the same age group.
On Wednesday, Abdülkerim Gün, deputy chairman of the BTK, shared details during a presentation to the Parliament’s Peer Bullying Subcommittee, noting similar measures in other countries, such as the U.S. state of Florida, where children under 13 are prohibited from using social media, and Australia, where a law restricting access for children under 16 is nearing approval.
Accordingly, the BTK has proposed changes to the country’s 5651 Law on Regulating Broadcasts on the Internet.
“We are currently working on a proposal to prohibit middle school-aged children, those below the 8th grade, from accessing social media applications and networks,” Gün said.
Eda Şirnevai, director of the Child Services General Directorate’s Preventive and Protective Services Department, also highlighted efforts to restrict smartphone usage among children under 13.
Professor Tuncay Dilci, speaking at the committee, noted that many countries already impose similar restrictions and suggested Türkiye consider implementing them as well.
The Ministry of Family and Social Services has also been researching global examples of children’s use of social media and smartphones. In their report, some of these include:
- In China, children under 16 need parental permission to create social media accounts, and there is a ban on mobile device use and internet access between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- In the U.S., certain states have passed laws banning social media for children under 14, effective in 2025.
- In France, children under 15 need parental consent to use social media.
- In South Korea, online gaming is banned for children under 16 from midnight to 6 a.m.
- The U.K. limits online platform accounts for children under 13.
- In Russia, similar restrictions apply to children under 13.
- In Italy, children under 14 cannot own a mobile phone, and those under 16 are banned from opening social media profiles.
- In Australia, a social media ban exists for children under 14, with serious penalties for violators. A law for 16-year-olds is under development.
- Greece is also working on policies regarding children’s social media usage.
- In Ireland, discussions are ongoing about completely banning smartphone use for children under 16.