İstanbul Aile Vakfı files a lawsuit against social media platforms

İstanbul Aile Vakfı Yönetim Kurulu Başkanı Üner Karabıyık stated that they have been conducting field studies for the last three years regarding the effects of digital media on children. Karabıyık noted that as screen time increased, levels of pressure, distress, and anxiety in children rose, negatively affecting their sense of belonging. The foundation made a presentation to the TBMM Okul Saldırılarının Nedenlerini Araştırma Komisyonu, arguing that the digital environment creates an identity problem, especially in children and youth. Karabıyık announced that they filed a lawsuit against social media platforms to determine the addictive structure of algorithms on children. Through this lawsuit, it is demanded that the negative effects of platforms on children be identified and necessary measures be taken.

The foundation meets with families in more than 50 provinces of Türkiye to conduct awareness activities against the risks posed by screen use. Stating that they have set reducing problematic screen use as a strategic goal, Karabıyık recorded that they carried out 17 different activities in this context, primarily including storytelling. Emphasizing the importance of parents communicating face-to-face more with their children, Karabıyık stated that the aim is to reduce anxiety levels in children by strengthening cultural transmission. Noting that digital game content can also create dopamine addiction in children, Karabıyık said that there is a need to produce harmless game content.

Recalling the school attacks in Şanlıurfa and Kahramanmaraş, Karabıyık stated that similar examples were seen in many countries around the world. Karabıyık noted that in addition to their work in Türkiye, they encountered similar results in competitions held in 61 countries through Türkiye Maarif Vakfı, and that screen use stood out as a common problem negatively affecting intra-family communication. Stating that digital addiction is merely a result, Karabıyık expressed that the root causes of the problem must also be addressed.

Saying that digital addiction affects not only children but also adults, Karabıyık mentioned that the infinite scroll system and the attention economy used on social media platforms keep users in front of screens for long periods. Pointing out that the companies developing technology keep their own children away from these platforms up to a certain age, Karabıyık said that families need to act more consciously regarding screen time. The foundation continues its efforts to increase social awareness on this issue and pave the way for legal regulations.

The lawsuit filed by İstanbul Aile Vakfı is considered an important step in Türkiye regarding the effects of social media platforms on children. Experts emphasize the need to address the addictive features of algorithms within a legal framework. The foundation's work brings the role of families and the state in combating digital addiction back to the agenda. It is indicated that similar lawsuits may increase in the coming period and that social media companies may be forced to review their child safety policies.