Work begins on age limit for social media! A ban is coming for that age group

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) has initiated a study aimed at banning access to social media applications and social networks for children under the age of 13.

BTK Vice President Abdülkerim Gün provided information to the TBMM Peer Bullying Subcommittee. Pointing to other examples around the world, Gün noted that social media use for children under 13 is banned in the US state of Florida, and that in Australia, a restrictive regulation for children under 16 is in the process of being enacted into law.

According to the report by Sabah, Gün stated that as the BTK, they are working on an amendment to Law No. 5651 on the Regulation of Publications Made on the Internet and Fighting Against Crimes Committed Through These Publications to ban access to social media applications and social networks for those under 13 in Turkey. Gün said, "We currently have a study in place, and we will have a proposal, to ban access to social media applications and social networks for those under 13, that is, middle school children, specifically for a student who has finished middle school, for the regulation numbered 5651."

Eda Şirnevai, Head of the Protective and Preventive Services Department of the General Directorate of Child Services, announced that they are conducting a joint study with the TBMM to impose limits on smartphone use for children under 13. Academic Prof. Dr. Tuncay Dilci, who gave a presentation at the commission, stated that smartphones are banned for those under 13 in many countries and suggested that a similar practice be brought to the agenda in Turkey. During this time, Department Head Şirnevai said, "We are working on this with the TBMM Children's Rights Commission."

It is also understood that the Ministry of Family and Social Services is examining global examples regarding children's use of social media and social networks.

According to the information provided by Department Head Şirnevai, some of the global examples are as follows:

WHAT ARE THE EXAMPLES AROUND THE WORLD?

- In China, children under 16 opening a social media account is subject to parental consent. In China, access to mobile devices and the internet is also prohibited between 22:00 and 06:00.

- In the US, a law banning social media use for those under 14 has been approved in some states. It will be effective starting in 2025.

- In France, access to social media for those under 15 is subject to parental consent.

- In South Korea, online gaming is banned for children under 16 between 24:00 and 06:00 at night.

- In the UK, opening accounts on online platforms is restricted for those under 13.

- In Russia, opening accounts on online platforms is restricted for those under 13.

- In Italy, it is forbidden for those under 14 to own a mobile phone and for those under 16 to open profiles on social media platforms.

- In Australia, there is a social media ban for those under 14. Serious penalties and sanctions are applied to those who do not comply with the ban. Work is being done on legislation for age 16.

- Greece is conducting a study on children's use of social media.

- In Ireland, a complete ban on smartphone use for those under 16 is being discussed.

News Source: 12punto