Children's Rights in the Digital World Discussed at “Intellectual Interaction Meetings”

The event, titled “Being a Child on Social Media: Protection or Restriction?”, took place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the YBF-B21. Moderated by Assoc. Prof. Ömer Faruk Erol from our School of Law, the session featured contributions from our faculty members Assist. Prof. Gülnihal Ahter Yakacak and Assist. Prof. Meryem Solmaz Bilici, who examined current debates surrounding children’s engagement in the digital world from diverse perspectives.

“The Best Interests of the Child” Must Be Prioritized

Asisst. Prof. Gülnihal Ahter Yakacak, the first speaker of the session, highlighted that age restrictions on social media use have become a topic of discussion in many countries, stressing the need to establish a digital environment that upholds the best interests of the child. Emphasizing the importance of recognizing children as individuals and subjects in their own right, she noted that internet access is now considered a fourth-generation right. Referring to recent debates around Australia’s proposed age limit of 16 for social media use, Yakacak underlined the importance of digital literacy education for both children and parents as a means to reduce risks and increase awareness.

Risks, Education, and Legal Regulations

Assist. Prof. Meryem Solmaz Bilici focused on the physical, psychological, and social risks that social media poses for children. She discussed key issues such as cyberbullying, peer bullying, exposure to violent content, and misuse of personal data. Solmaz emphasized that these threats should be addressed not only on an individual level but also on a societal scale, presenting a range of potential solutions.

Following the presentations, both speakers agreed that the presence of children on social media should be addressed with protective and awareness-raising policies. The event concluded interactively, with contributions from the audience, focusing on current debates.