Turkey Tightens Social Media Access for Children

Türkiye’s Parliament has passed a new Bill aimed at restricting access to social media platforms for children under the age of 15. The move reflects a growing global trend where governments are introducing stricter digital safety laws for minors. The legislation comes amid rising concern over harmful online content, cyberbullying, addiction and exposure to unsafe digital spaces.

Key Provisions of the New Bill

Under the proposed law, major platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram will be required to introduce age-verification systems to prevent children under 15 from opening accounts. Companies must also provide parental control tools so guardians can monitor and manage access. Platforms will be expected to respond quickly to harmful or inappropriate content affecting minors.

Background Behind the Decision

The Bill was passed shortly after a tragic school shooting in Kahramanmaras in southern Türkiye, where a 14-year-old student killed nine classmates and a teacher before dying himself. Police are examining the boy’s online activity to understand possible motivations behind the attack. This incident intensified public debate over the impact of digital platforms on young minds.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan strongly supported the legislation, stating that some digital platforms are negatively influencing children and harming their mental well-being. He stressed the need to protect children’s privacy and safety in the digital age.

Opposition and Criticism

The main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), criticised the proposal. It argued that children should be protected through rights-based policies rather than outright restrictions and bans. Critics also warn that such laws may increase government control over online spaces and reduce freedom of expression.

Türkiye has previously faced criticism for restricting internet access during political protests, including demonstrations linked to jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

Important Facts for Exams

• Australia introduced social media restrictions for children under 16 in December 2025.
• Indonesia has also banned children below 16 from accessing certain digital platforms.
• Age verification and parental controls are becoming common tools in global digital regulation.
• Türkiye’s communications watchdog can impose fines and bandwidth reductions for non-compliance.

Global Trend in Social Media Regulation

Several countries, including Australia, Indonesia, Spain, France and the United Kingdom, are either implementing or considering similar restrictions on children’s access to social media. Governments cite concerns such as pornography exposure, cyberbullying, scams and mental health risks. Türkiye’s latest move places it within this broader international effort to make digital spaces safer for young users while balancing privacy, rights and regulation.