A new era begins for child users on social media
Starting November 1, 2026, social media services will not be provided to children under 15. For the 15-17 age group, features such as live streaming and infinite scrolling are restricted. The age verification process for existing accounts will be completed by March 31, 2027.
New rules regulating the usage habits of children on social media platforms enter into force as of November 1, 2026. Within the scope of the regulation, providing social media services to children under 15 is prohibited, while limitations are introduced for users aged 15-17 on features such as live streaming, infinite scrolling, and personalized advertisements.
Account privacy for children will be prioritized in the new era. The deadline for existing users to complete age verification has been set as March 31, 2027; accounts identified as belonging to users under 15 by this date will be closed.
Prof. Dr. Gül Karaçetin from Bakırköy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Hospital reminded that brain development continues until the age of 21, stating that children's risk assessment skills differ from those of adults. Karaçetin noted that live broadcasts trigger the reward cycle, infinite scrolling triggers the pleasure system, and personalized advertisements commercially target children.
Sources
- trthaber.com · Link