HÜDA PAR lawmaker Faruk Dinç called on Turkish authorities on Tuesday to strengthen measures against violence affecting children and young people, including bullying in schools and harmful content on social media.

Speaking at a news conference in parliament, Dinç said increasing violence in digital spaces, on the streets and in schools posed a threat to children and young people.

He called for greater coordination between state institutions and said combating what he described as a “culture of violence” should become a government priority.

“Peer bullying, lack of supervision on social media, and uncontrolled violent content continue to feed off one another,” Dinç said.

Dinç urged authorities to introduce stronger age-verification and child-protection measures on social media platforms and require companies to assess risks to children.

He also called for schools to strengthen systems for detecting and responding to bullying and cyberbullying, as well as expanding counseling and guidance services.

The lawmaker said broadcasters and digital platforms should face stronger sanctions for content that encourages or normalizes violence. He also called for restrictions on the publication of graphic material involving murder, sexual assault and severe violence, as well as content that exposes victims’ private information or provides details of criminal methods.

Dinç proposed closer coordination between Turkey’s Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK), Education Ministry and Ministry of Family and Social Services to improve protections for children online.

“A legal order that prevents the exposure and encouragement of violence while protecting the freedom of information must be established as soon as possible,” he said. (ILKHA)