Under-18 Social Media Regulation and the Importance of Digital Literacy
The social media regulations for under-18s entering into force on November 1 and the necessity of digital literacy education are discussed.
With the new social media regulations published in the Official Gazette dated October 10 and entering into force on November 1, it is planned to completely ban social media use for those under 15 and introduce strict rules for the 15-18 age group.
Legal Regulation and Its Scope
The legal regulation published in the Official Gazette dated October 10 will enter into force on November 1.
Within the scope of the regulation, while social media use is completely banned for those under the age of 15, very strict rules are introduced for young people between the ages of 15 and 18.
Negative Effects of Social Media
Addiction, attention deficit, cyberbullying, sleep disorders, social isolation, and low self-esteem are among the negative effects of social media.
The physical and psychological consequences of these effects on children in their developmental years stand out as an inevitable reality.
The Debate on the Insufficiency of Bans
It is stated that it is not possible to protect children—who were born into technology and whose oldest members were born in 2008—solely through bans.
It is emphasized that instead of imposing direct bans in combating problems such as addiction, alternative solutions must be produced.
Digital Literacy and Education
Experts warn that alternatives should be created to replace social media addiction and that foundational digital literacy education must be provided.
Starting from primary school age, digital literacy education should be provided to teach children the effective security and ethical use of technology.
Expert Opinions and Skills
In the article by Nazire Burçin Hamutoğlu and Simge Süllü Durul, it is stated that digital literacy should not be handled within a narrow framework.
The concept includes complex skills such as reading graphic instructions, evaluating quality information, and the ability to use digital information in life.