Türkiye forms new committee to combat digital addiction

Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas, announced a new strategy to address digital addiction, citing increasing dangers posed by the digital age.

Speaking with Ankara’s press representatives, Goktas also highlighted the challenges posed by global gender-neutrality campaigns and the declining fertility rate in Türkiye, which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has described as an “existential threat.”

Combatting digital addiction

Goktas revealed the government is forming a new committee, led by Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, specifically focused on combatting digital addiction.

Goktas expressed concern over the negative impact of digital and gaming addictions on the mental health of children and teenagers, noting that these platforms can distort reality and even serve as tools for radicalization. The Minister called on families to be vigilant, emphasizing, “Protect what you cherish from the digital world.”

The Ministry has also introduced the “DUY” (Hear, Be Sensitive) hotline, accessible through its website, which allows citizens to report harmful online content that threatens children and families.

Concerns over Wattpad platform

The Minister expressed concern about the popular storytelling platform Wattpad, which has over 3 million users in Türkiye, most of whom are under 18. Although it appears to be a safe space for young writers, the platform has exposed minors to harmful content, including bullying, violence, sexual abuse, suicide, and drug addiction.

The absence of a local representative in Türkiye has made it difficult to address these issues, leading the government to restrict access to the platform.

Declining birth rates: An existential threat

Türkiye’s aging population has increased by 21.4% over the past five years, with the country’s fertility rate dropping to 1.51, significantly below the critical level of 2.1.

Goktas reiterated President Erdogan’s concerns, describing the situation as an “existential threat.”

In response, the Ministry has established the Family and Population Policies Department and extended the scope of the Family and Youth Fund to include the provinces of Zonguldak, Bartin, and Karabuk, where birth rates are the lowest.

Addressing gender-based violence

Goktas reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward gender-based violence, stressing that even one case is too many. The Minister noted that psychological violence, which undermines a woman’s personality, is often overlooked.

Law 6284, which protects women from violence, is crucial regulation. A comprehensive study on gender-based violence will be conducted this year.

Global trend of gender neutrality

The Minister warned against the global trend of gender neutrality, which she described as an imposed agenda with a significant risk.

Goktas noted the prevalence of gender-neutrality propaganda on social media and even during the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. The Ministry’s Family Protection Plan includes specific measures to counter this trend, linking it to broader concerns over declining birth rates and the erosion of traditional family values.

Role model meetings for state-cared children

The Ministry plans to organize “Role Model Meetings,” where successful individuals who grew up under state protection will meet with children currently in state care. These events aim to inspire the youth by exposing them to successful figures in various professional fields.

Strengthening family structures

The Family Protection and Empowerment Action Plan aims to enhance intergenerational communication and solidarity, maintain a young population structure, and improve problem-solving capacities among family members.

The Ministry also plans to create local risk maps and implement a neighborhood-based social service model to make families more resilient against harmful trends and habits.