EDAM Proposes Postponement and Gradual Transition for Under-15 Social Media Restriction

The Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies has called for the postponement and gradual implementation of the strict restrictions on social media use by children under 15, which are scheduled to enter into force on November 1.

Potential Risks of Restrictions and EDAM Report

In the report prepared by the Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies, while drawing attention to the importance of protecting children from online risks, it was stated that uniform and strict bans alone would not be sufficient. A warning was issued that harsh restrictions could drive children toward digital platforms that are more difficult to monitor.

The Role of Parents in the Decision-Making Process

According to research data, the rate of those who think that parents should decide on the social media use of a 13-year-old child was 65 percent. The proportion of those who want the decision to be made by families within the framework of legal limits was measured at 19 percent.

Participant Views on the Implementation Date

While the percentage of those wanting the regulation to start on November 1 as planned remained at 45 percent, the percentage of those demanding a postponement or additional time reached 53 percent. Some participants requested that technical infrastructure problems be resolved.

Identity Verification and Data Privacy Concerns

The proportion of those expressing data privacy concerns regarding the matching of social media accounts with official identity information was recorded as 67 percent. The rate of those who do not trust verification mechanisms stood at 69 percent level.

Sinan Ülgen Emphasizes Different Age Groups

EDAM Research Director Sinan Ülgen stated that the digital risks faced by children vary according to age groups. Ülgen conveyed that the regulation should take these differences into account and alternative models in identity verification should be evaluated.