Yeşilay calls for safe digital design amid Turkey's social media age limits

Yeşilay has issued a call regarding children's digital safety in response to upcoming regulations in Turkey. The new rules, set to take effect on November 1, 2026, prohibit social network services from being provided to children under the age of 15.

While supporting the age limit, Yeşilay emphasized that access restrictions alone are insufficient to ensure safety. The organization noted that risks extend beyond mere screen time, citing design features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, constant notifications, and personalized recommendation systems as factors that can negatively impact children's attention, sleep, and mental well-being.

To achieve comprehensive protection, Yeşilay recommended implementing age-appropriate service differentiation for those over 15, strengthening parental control tools, and promoting digital literacy. The organization also highlighted the importance of safe design, referencing legal discussions in the US involving Meta regarding usage limits and night-time access restrictions.