Lecturer of the Department of Computer Engineering, Trakya University, Assoc. Dr. Deniz Mertkan Gezgin said that the Internet, social media, digital games and smartphones have recently become an integral part of daily life.
Gezgin pointed out that children's decision-making mechanisms are not fully developed until around the age of 18-19, and explained that because of this they may act more impulsively.
Gezgin emphasized that addictive and negative content on the Internet can have an impact on children's psyches, saying that this situation can trigger bullying and violent behavior among peers.
Gezgin explained that social media has a significant impact on young people: “With increased visibility, negative content began to spread faster. We can clearly see the impact of social media and digital games in studies conducted on young people who have just started college and high school age. Violent games and posts have a negative impact on children's mental health.” he said.
Gezgin explained that if families do not implement the necessary filters regarding internet and gaming usage, children may fall under the influence of this content over time. If this process continues, children could be drawn into crime.
“Our state has public tenders in this direction”
Gezgin pointed out that the desire to gain status through digital games and social media can lead to violence among children, saying that family, school, educational environment and personal characteristics are crucial to children's tendencies.
Gezgin stressed that children and young people should use the Internet and social media in a controlled and filtered manner, especially up to the age of 16, explaining that completely staying away from technology is not the right approach.
Gezgin explained that families should monitor the content children view:
“If children are left uncontrolled, they may not be able to make healthy decisions. At this point, families must take responsibility. Our state has public places in this regard, family structure, a good education and a strong state. “With this policy, positive results can be achieved.”
“They think real life is a game”
Explaining that some children get lost in digital games and lose touch with real life, Gezgin said that face-to-face communication has been replaced by digital communication.
Noting that violence can be normalized through games and digital content, Gezgin said: “Acquiring money and status through games at a young age can pave the way for crime and gang formation later. Families must introduce their children to educational, developmental and language teaching games and programs. The greatest responsibility in this area lies with the family.” he said.
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