25.02.2025 17:14
A gradual regulation for social media is coming. The Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, stated, "We will propose a gradual regulation where there will be restrictions for those under 13 years old and parental approval will be required for those aged 13 to 16. We have reached the final stage in our efforts to implement a legal regulation for this."
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In the framework of the 2023-2028 Children's Rights Strategy Document and Action Plan, the meeting of the 2025 Children's Rights Monitoring and Evaluation Board, organized to evaluate the activities carried out in 2024, was held at the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) building. The program was attended by the Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, as well as officials from relevant institutions and organizations. Speaking here, Göktaş stated that the Ministry is determined to carry out all its activities for children in line with the principle of 'the best interests of the child.' Minister Göktaş expressed that the Children's Rights Strategy Document and Action Plan covering the 2023-2028 period provides an important roadmap, emphasizing that they are conducting activities aimed at protecting children's rights with this action plan.
"6 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES IN THE ACTION PLAN"
Göktaş stated that they are carrying out significant work in line with the 6 strategic objectives outlined in the action plan, saying, "The first of these objectives is to support children's participation in decision-making mechanisms by carrying out 18 activities within the framework of children's rights and participation. We value the upbringing of over 34,000 children participating in the Children's Rights Committees as individuals who are aware of their rights and responsibilities. Last year, we highlighted the importance of children's rights with the 25th National Children's Forum Meetings held in seven regions. We held two Children's Advisory Board meetings during the year. We organized 3,545 events with the participation of 180,744 children through our Provincial Children's Rights Committees. With these activities, we aim to raise leaders who look to the future with confidence in Turkey," he said. Regarding the second strategic objective, Göktaş mentioned that they have implemented 19 activities in the field of child-friendly justice, creating mechanisms that facilitate children's access to justice, stating that necessary measures are taken without delay from the moment a child at risk is identified.
"WE HAVE PROVIDED ADOPTION SERVICES TO 20,222 CHILDREN TO DATE, INCLUDING 589 IN 2024"
Stating that the third strategic objective is one of the most comprehensive areas of protection and support services for children, Göktaş said, "In this context, we have carried out 83 activities to ensure that our children grow up in safe environments. Under the auspices of the esteemed Emine Erdoğan, we have provided care for 10,467 of our children with our foster families through the 'Volunteer Ambassadors Project.' To date, we have provided adoption services to 20,222 children, including 589 in 2024. With our 'Social and Economic Support Service,' we have supported 170,567 children alongside their families and continue to do so. We are implementing the 'School Support Project' to enable 41,643 children benefiting from SED to develop themselves in social, cultural, artistic, and sports fields. We have made a revolutionary innovation by transitioning from a dormitory-type care model to a home-type care model. We are providing a living space that will make our children feel the warmth of family. We serve a total of 15,168 children in 1,185 children's homes and 119 children's home sites across our country, as well as 58 specialized children's home sites. We prioritize the safety of our children above all else. With our Child Safety Teams, we have monitored a total of 198,486 children by the end of 2024. We conducted 27,295 visits to schools of children deemed to be at risk. We implemented 56,524 social service interventions. Additionally, we provided guidance services to 51,466 families," he stated.
Göktaş noted that they have carried out 14 activities within the framework of alternative care services, the fourth strategic objective, and developed a care and support model for children in need of protection, stating, "We have served 92,709 children in nurseries, daycare centers, and children's clubs affiliated with our Ministry. We have provided free care for 2,987 of our children," he said. He also mentioned that they have carried out 27 activities in the context of services for children affected by disasters, crises, and emergencies, emphasizing that they have strengthened their efforts to respond quickly and effectively to children's needs in crisis situations.
"WE HAVE REACHED THE FINAL STAGE OF LEGAL REGULATIONS THAT WILL INCLUDE PARENTAL CONSENT FOR AGES 13-16 IN DIGITAL ADDICTION"
Minister Göktaş drew attention to the 21 activities carried out in the field of access to information technologies and safe internet use, stating that they are working to ensure that children can safely navigate the digital world, and continued: "Unfortunately, today our children are exposed to the dangers of this world while benefiting from its opportunities. Without conscious digital media usage, children can face risks such as exploitation, peer bullying, harmful content, and hate speech. This situation can seriously harm their social, emotional, and academic lives. We must protect our children against the risk of digital addiction, which has now become a serious problem. With our 'Social Media Working Group,' we are conducting protective and preventive activities. In addition, with our 'Awareness of Privacy in Children' training, we have reached a total of 159,584 individuals by December 2024. Through the DUY Reporting Platform, families report content they believe to be harmful to children. After necessary investigations, we take measures against harmful content. Furthermore, we are working intensively to develop a country-specific model for children's social media use. In this context, we held two separate workshops in October and December, listening to families, children, and all relevant parties. We conducted interviews with educators, psychologists, child development specialists, and representatives of digital platforms. We will propose a gradual regulation where parental consent will be required for ages 13-16, with restrictions up to age 13. We are in the final stages of working towards a legal regulation for this. As a Ministry, we want to provide our children with a safer digital world with this legal regulation to be implemented in collaboration with our relevant stakeholder Ministries."
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