Families with robust internal communication and healthy parent-child relationships represent Türkiye’s most strategic national asset in the digital era, Burhanettin Duran, Head of Communications at the Turkish Presidency, stated during a high-level panel on Tuesday.

The “New Communication Technologies and the Family” panel, organized by the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, brought together key figures including Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş. The event also marked the launch of the Directorate’s new book, New Communication Technologies and the Family (also referred to as New Communication Technologies and Parenting).

Addressing the opening session, Duran highlighted the profound impact that digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and data security are having on everyday life, stressing that the most significant challenges of the digital era are not confined to institutions but are increasingly shaping family dynamics and personal relationships.

Digital Transformation Reshaping Family Life

Noting that families are among the social institutions most directly affected by technological change, Duran described what he called one of the defining paradoxes of modern society.

“Never before in history have we been so connected, yet at the same time so lonely,” he said, referring to the growing influence of digital technologies on interpersonal relationships.

Citing sociologist Sherry Turkle’s concept of being “alone together,” Duran argued that family members increasingly share the same physical spaces while living in separate digital worlds. He stressed that the challenge facing parents today extends beyond limiting screen time and requires a deeper understanding of the relationship children develop with digital platforms and the values conveyed through them.

According to Duran, technology should not be viewed merely as a tool but as a force that shapes perceptions, behavior, and social norms. He urged families to approach digital technologies within the framework of Türkiye’s cultural and civilizational values.

Guidance Rather Than Prohibition

Duran emphasized that children today are growing up in an environment where digital platforms significantly influence their understanding of reality. He argued that effective parenting in the digital age requires guidance and engagement rather than simple restrictions.

“The digital world should not be seen as a window to be closed but as a landscape that families should explore together,” he said.

Highlighting concerns over children’s digital footprints, Duran noted that many parents routinely share extensive information about their children online, often without considering the long-term consequences. He said the Directorate’s recently published book, New Communication Technologies and the Family, aims to provide parents with practical guidance on managing technology use responsibly.

The Importance of Parental Example

The Head of Communications also pointed to the growing prevalence of smartphone dependency among adults, arguing that parents must lead by example if they wish to encourage healthy digital habits among their children.

He cited research suggesting that children can experience stress when parental attention is repeatedly diverted to digital devices during conversations and family interactions.

“We encourage our children to focus and live in the moment, yet often it is adults who struggle to remain present,” Duran said.

Referring to a well-known saying attributed to Hazrat Ali, he stressed the importance of raising children according to the realities of the era in which they will live rather than those of previous generations.

Combating Digital Risks

Duran warned that cyberbullying, digital violence, and online misinformation represent growing threats to children and families. He stressed that addressing these challenges requires cooperation between public institutions, civil society, and families.

He noted that the Directorate of Communications continues to play an active role in combating disinformation and promoting digital literacy while supporting initiatives designed to make the online environment safer for children and young people.

The Directorate has also organized a range of activities involving young people, including the “Add Colour to CİMER” painting competition and the National Youth Summit on Combating Disinformation, which aim to encourage civic engagement and digital awareness.

Protecting the Family Institution

Duran praised the Ministry of Family and Social Services for its efforts to strengthen protections for children in the digital sphere, highlighting initiatives such as social media regulations for children under 15, the Action Plan for Empowering Children in the Digital World, and various digital parenting resources.

He warned that the family institution faces increasing challenges in contemporary society and stressed the importance of preserving strong family bonds as a foundation for national development.

“Families with strong internal communication and healthy parent-child bonds constitute the most strategic strength of our nation today,” Duran said. “Such a family structure is essential for raising generations that will contribute to a more prosperous future for both our country and the world.”

Commitment to Family-Centered Policies

Duran underscored Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening family life under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, pointing to the designation of the previous year as the “Year of the Family” and the declaration of the 2026–2035 period as the “Decade of Family and Population.”

He also highlighted National Family Week, observed annually from 25 to 31 May, as an important initiative aimed at raising public awareness, reinforcing family ties, and promoting the transmission of cultural values to future generations.

Concluding his remarks, Duran reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting families as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of the digital age, emphasizing that efforts to strengthen the family institution will continue in the years ahead. (ILKHA)