Digital Risk Report from EDAM Ahead of Under-15 Social Media Ban
Published ahead of the new regulation taking effect on November 1, the EDAM report highlights the design hazards and risk categories of digital platforms concerning children.
Prepared by the Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies, the comprehensive report details content, contact, and behavioral risks children encounter on social media, while drawing attention to design elements that increase usage time on platforms.
Effective Date of the Regulation
With the legal regulation published in Turkey on May 1, 2026, social network providers were obligated not to serve children under the age of 15. Under the provisions planned to take effect on November 1, platforms are expected to take technical and administrative measures, including age verification.
Details of the EDAM Report
In the report titled Children's Access to Social Media: Policy Recommendations for Turkey, prepared by Sinan Ülgen, the risks posed by the digital world for children were examined under a magnifying glass. The report categorized risks as content, contact, behavior, commercial practices, and platform design.
Risks of Platform Designs
It was stated that the design features of social media platform aim to increase children's usage duration. Infinite scrolling, personalized content recommendations, notifications arriving at night, and systems encouraging continuous social comparison pose risks for children.
Serious Dangers and Threats
Among the most serious dangers children face are pornographic content, posts encouraging self-harm, content promoting eating disorders, and hate speech. Unwanted contact with adult strangers and sextortion were also highlighted as significant risks.
Measures According to Age Groups
Along with the restrictions introduced for those under 15, differentiated services and parental controls will be applied to the 15 to 17 age group. The EDAM report suggested a phased access model based on risks rather than an absolute ban.
Scientific Research Results
A study conducted by scientists at the University of California in the US revealed that eating disorders were 36 percent higher in children who used smartphones at an early age.