Türkiye moves to restrict social media access for children under 13

Following global efforts to regulate children’s use of social media, Türkiye is preparing to implement significant measures aimed at protecting minors from potential dangers in the digital world. The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) announced plans to prohibit access to social media platforms and networks for children under the age of 13.

Abdulkerim Gun, Deputy Chair of BTK, presented the initiative to the Turkish Parliament’s Peer Bullying Sub-Commission. He highlighted similar regulatory frameworks in other countries, noting that children under 13 are already restricted from social media in Florida, U.S., while Australia is on the verge of legislating restrictions for those under 16.

Gun stated that BTK’s proposed changes to Law No. 5651, which governs online publications and crimes committed via digital platforms, would formally introduce the ban. “We are working on amendments to restrict access to social media applications and platforms for children under the age of 13, including middle school students,” he said.

Broader efforts in digital safety

In addition to social media restrictions, Türkiye is exploring measures to promote safer digital habits among children. Gun announced the upcoming Digital Games Congress, a collaborative effort with civil society organizations, to address the growing influence of online gaming. The initiative aims to establish local gaming platforms compatible with international standards like PEGI (Pan-European Game Information).

Eda Shirnevai, head of the Protective and Preventive Services Department under the General Directorate of Child Services, revealed that discussions are underway with the Parliamentary Commission on Children’s Rights to limit smartphone use among children under 13. Shirnevai highlighted examples from other countries and emphasized the importance of protecting children’s well-being.

Similar policies have been implemented or are under consideration worldwide:

• China: Children under 16 need parental consent to open social media accounts. Access to mobile devices and the internet is banned from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• United States: States like Florida have banned social media for children under 13, with broader restrictions for those under 14 set to take effect by 2025.
• France: Parental consent is required for children under 15 to use social media platforms.
• South Korea: Online gaming is prohibited between midnight and 6 a.m. for those under 16.
• Italy: Children under 14 are barred from owning a mobile phone, and those under 16 cannot create social media profiles.
• Australia: Social media bans apply to children under 14, with severe penalties for noncompliance. Efforts to expand these restrictions to under-16s are underway.

In Türkiye, academic and government stakeholders, including Professor Tuncay Dilci, have suggested alternatives such as limiting younger children to basic mobile phones for safety and communication.

These developments reflect growing concerns over children’s exposure to harmful content online, cyberbullying, and privacy risks. While Türkiye’s proposed measures are still in the planning stages, they signal a shift towards tighter digital safeguards for the nation’s youth.