New social media regulation taking effect on November 1 for children's digital safety
A new legal regulation aimed at protecting children under 15 from dangers such as cyberbullying and blackmail on social media is being implemented on November 1.
While a comprehensive report prepared by the Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies reveals the dangers children face in the digital world, it has been scientifically proven that early smartphone use increases eating disorders.
Social Media Regulation
Preparations have reached the final stage for the legal regulation introducing a social media ban for children under 15, and the application is expected to enter into force on November 1.
Within the framework of previously published provisions in Turkey, social network providers have been obligated to take various technical and administrative measures, primarily age verification.
Details of the EDAM Report
In the Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies report prepared by Sinan Ülgen, the risks children face in the digital sphere were classified as content, contact, and conduct.
The report emphasized that elements such as pornographic content, cyberbullying, sextortion, and peer bullying are among the primary factors threatening children's safety.
Platform Design Risks
It was stated that design features of social media platforms such as infinite scrolling and nighttime notifications increase the time children spend in front of the screen.
The report reflected that algorithmic systems and personalized content recommendations pose commercial risks aimed at manipulating children's behaviors.
Smartphones and Eating Disorders
A scientific study conducted by the University of California revealed that early smartphone use increases eating disorders by 36 percent.
In the study examining nine children, it was observed that children who own smartphones experienced body image problems and binge eating symptoms in later years.