Minister Göktaş announces: Preparations for new regulations for digital platforms and games

Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş stated that work is being carried out on new regulations regarding children's use of digital platforms. Göktaş noted that they are focusing on a more controlled and secure system that envisions logging into social media platforms via e-Devlet and does not involve data sharing.

Speaking to the Türkiye newspaper, Göktaş stated that children spend an average of more than 3.5 hours a day on social media platforms. Minister Göktaş argued that social media use can have negative effects on children's sleep patterns, mental health, and attention processes.

Göktaş said, "Social media platforms create a screen economy for children, disrupting sleep and reducing depression, anxiety, and concentration rates by 48 percent."

Stating that the lack of sufficient awareness regarding digital footprints poses a risk, Göktaş noted that situations where families struggle to manage their children's digital usage can be encountered. Stating that as a Ministry they are working to increase digital literacy and create social awareness, Göktaş reminded that access bans have been imposed on platforms such as Roblox and Discord through court decisions.

Göktaş also announced that a new regulation regarding games is planned, as well as the segregation of content for the 15-18 age group. Details regarding the scope and timeline of the regulation have not yet been announced.

News Source: 12punto