Turkey to Ban Social Media for Children Under 15

Turkey Plans to Ban Social Media Access for Children Under 15

The Turkish government is preparing to introduce a significant new restriction on youth internet use. A draft bill, expected to be presented by the end of this month, proposes a comprehensive ban on social media platform access for all children under the age of 15.

Legal Obligations for Platforms and Enhanced Protections

The announcement was made by the Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş. The proposed legislation places the primary legal responsibility on social media companies, mandating them to:

• Technically block account creation for users under 15.
• Prevent access to their platforms for users below the age limit.
• Implement effective content-filtering mechanisms designed to protect minors.

"This measure aims to reduce digital risks and prevent criminal groups from using social networks to contact and exploit children," stated Minister Göktaş, outlining the core rationale behind the proposal.

The minister emphasized that the goal is to shield children from a range of online threats, including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and potential exploitation.

Part of a Broader Legislative Package

This social media ban is not a standalone initiative. It will form a key component of a larger child-protection legislative package currently being finalized by the government. The complete bill is slated for review by the Turkish parliament in the near future, where it will undergo debate and potential amendments.

If enacted, this law would represent one of the strictest national-level social media age restrictions globally. The proposal has already sparked a robust debate within Turkish society, balancing concerns for child safety and digital literacy against questions regarding parental responsibility, freedom of access, and the practicality of enforcement.

Experts note that the success of such a ban would heavily depend on the cooperation of international tech companies and the robustness of age-verification systems, which remain a significant technical and privacy challenge worldwide.