Turkey has approved a new law banning children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms, marking a significant step in tightening digital regulation for minors.
The legislation, first introduced in March 2026 and passed by parliament in late April, requires that social media companies implement strict age-verification systems to prevent underage users from creating accounts. It also obliges platforms to respond rapidly to harmful content, with emergency interventions required within one hour in urgent cases.
Turkish authorities say the measure is driven by growing concerns over the impact of social media on children’s mental health, safety, and overall well-being. Officials point to increasing exposure to violent content, cyberbullying, and social pressure as key risks facing minors who spend extensive time online.
The move places Turkey among a growing number of countries introducing stricter digital safeguards for young users. Australia, for example, has also proposed limiting social media access to users aged 16 and above, reflecting an emerging global trend toward tighter regulation of online platforms for children.
Supporters of the Turkish law argue it is a necessary step to restore balance between the digital and physical worlds, giving children more time to develop social skills and emotional resilience away from constant online exposure. Critics, however, are expected to continue debating issues related to privacy, enforcement, and state control over digital access.
The law’s implementation is seen as part of a broader international shift toward stronger protections for minors in the digital age.
