Ankara, February 9 – Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Minister of Family and Social Services, has released a statement via her social media account addressing the intensive use of social media by children. The minister emphasized the need for a collective effort to shield children from the overwhelming stimuli they encounter online at young ages.
Minister Göktaş Highlights Risks of Digital Overstimulation
In a video shared on her social media platform, Minister Göktaş drew attention to the stimuli children are exposed to on social media, using the analogy of a game of hide-and-seek. She posed a crucial question to the public: “Did you know that our children scroll through their screens every 8 seconds?”
The minister elaborated on the potential negative impacts of this constant digital engagement, stating, “The sense of ‘pleasure’ and ‘speed’ they encounter through social media and games can unconsciously transform them into more impatient, easily bored, and unhappy individuals. They now expect everything to happen immediately.”
Real-Life Expectations Versus Digital Realities
Minister Göktaş contrasted these digital expectations with the realities of life, explaining, “However, in real life, we cannot be happy every 8 seconds, nor can we achieve everything we desire instantly.” She underscored the importance of protecting children from these unrealistic expectations and the potential harm caused by early and intense exposure to digital environments.
“For the future of our children, let’s all collectively say ‘stop’ to their exposure to such intense stimuli at a young age,” the minister urged, calling for a unified approach from parents, educators, and society at large to address this growing concern.
A Call for Collective Action
The minister’s statement serves as a significant warning about the long-term consequences of unchecked social media use on child development. It highlights the psychological impact of constant digital gratification, which can hinder the development of patience, resilience, and the ability to find contentment in real-world experiences.
The Ministry of Family and Social Services is expected to continue its efforts to raise awareness about responsible social media use and to develop strategies to protect children from its potential pitfalls. This includes encouraging parents to monitor their children’s online activities and promoting healthy digital habits.
The issue of children’s social media use has become a global concern, with experts worldwide discussing its effects on mental health, attention spans, and social development. Minister Göktaş’s statement aligns with a growing international consensus that proactive measures are needed to ensure the well-being of the younger generation in an increasingly digital world.
The ministry’s initiative is particularly timely given the rapid advancements in technology and the pervasive nature of social media platforms, which continue to evolve and present new challenges for parents and policymakers alike.
Further details and potential policy initiatives from the Ministry of Family and Social Services regarding children’s digital well-being are anticipated following this significant announcement.
Source: https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/yerel-haberler/ankara/bakan-goktastan-cocuklarin-sosyal-medya-kulla-43103608
