18.06.2026 10:41
As the end of the school year approaches in Turkey, luxurious graduation ceremonies extending from kindergarten to high school have divided the education world and parents. While experts warn that ceremonies deviating from educational purposes with wedding hall decorations and runway-style outfits turn children into "social media accessories," it has emerged that families are heavily indebted due to this forced status competition.
As the end of the academic year approaches, traditional report card excitement in schools and families has been replaced by a completely different frenzy: graduation ceremonies. However, the familiar, simple, and proud diploma ceremonies of the past have now given way to a massive, exaggerated, and luxurious organizational culture stretching from kindergartens to high schools. Themed costumes, decorations resembling wedding halls, runway shows, and conservatory-level stage performances have ignited a major debate within the education community and among parents.
"CHILDREN TURNED INTO SOCIAL MEDIA ACCESSORIES"
The graduation ceremonies have broken away from their educational purpose, evolving entirely into a visual spectacle and a "show-off" competition, drawing harsh reactions from experts. Criticizing this transformation, Educator Türker Toker emphasized that these ceremonies have become a stage for adults to satisfy themselves rather than celebrate children's achievements. Toker stated: "Children are being reduced to accessories serving as social media content. It has evolved from an educational ritual into a display of social status."
"THE SOLUTION IS NOT TO BAN, BUT TO RETURN TO SIMPLICITY"
According to a report in Türkiye newspaper, another authority on the issue, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yavuz, stated that completely eliminating these events is not correct, but an urgent limit must be imposed. Yavuz, who argued that the solution should not be sought in a "banning" logic, advocated that ceremonies must be brought back to a reasonable and simple level that carries educational value.
THE ECONOMIC BURDEN ON PARENTS
The darkest side of the coin is the heavy financial burden these shows impose on family budgets. Many parents are forced to allocate significant budgets due to the lavish organizations, rented halls, custom-made outfits, and photo shoot packages. It is reported that many families, not wanting their child to feel excluded or left behind among friends, go into debt for these ceremony expenses. This turns graduation day from a moment of "happiness" into a mandatory social competition.