EDAM Calls for Postponement and Phased Model for Social Media Ban

A report published by the Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies stated that the planned social media ban for children under 15 may not be sufficient on its own, and called for the postponement of the implementation and a transition to a phased model.

Call for Postponement of Implementation

In the report prepared by the Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies, it was assessed that the restrictions planned to protect children from digital risks might not be sufficient on their own. A warning was issued that strict bans could drive children to platforms where supervision is more difficult.

Public Opinion Research Results

According to the public opinion research included in the EDAM report, 45 percent of participants supported the implementation starting on November 1, while 53 percent expressed the view that it should be postponed or granted additional time. Twenty-nine percent of participants requested additional time, and 18 percent requested a postponement until technical issues are resolved.

Role of Parents and Security Concerns

In the research, the proportion of those who think that families should decide on the social media use of a 13-year-old child was measured at 65 percent. Additionally, 67 percent of participants stated that they were concerned about accounts being matched with official identity information.

Phased Model and Alternative Solution Proposals

EDAM Research Director Sinan Ülgen emphasized that a phased model varying according to age groups should be developed instead of uniform restrictions. It was suggested that alternative methods, similar to those in the banking sector other than e-Government, should also be evaluated during the identity verification process.