Farid Shahbazli: "We must protect children not only in real life but also in the digital environment."
"The regulation of children's access to social networks through age restrictions should be approached not as a ban, but as a step aimed at protecting their rights and safety."
According to Oxu.Az, these remarks were made by Farid Shahbazli, chairman of the "Reformist Youth" Public Union.
The NGO head stated that in modern times, social networks are no longer just a means of communication but have become a powerful mechanism influencing people's behavior and way of thinking.
"The fact that children are completely defenseless against algorithms that even adults find difficult to protect themselves from causes serious concern. If, as a society, we regulate children's school attendance, driving, and employment with certain age limits, it seems logical to regulate their access to the digital environment, which directly affects their psychological development, within certain rules."
Farid Shahbazli noted that the operational model of social networks creates additional risks for children.
"These platforms compete for users' attention. Their business model is based on people spending more time on screen. Children, in this system, become not just users but an audience whose behavior, interests, and reactions are analyzed. Therefore, we must protect children not only in real life but also in the online space."
The chairman emphasized that the goal is not to oppose technology but to ensure that children enter the digital world prepared.
"Technologies are an integral part of modern life. The goal is not to deprive children of these opportunities, but to create conditions for them to use technology safely and consciously. Just as one must learn the alphabet before taking lessons at school, digital literacy and information security skills must be developed before using social networks."
According to Shahbazli, regulating children's access to social networks through age restrictions, parental control, and digital literacy programs together is an important preventive step serving the healthy development of future generations.
"A strong state is one that can protect not only its borders but also the psychological and moral security of its citizens, especially children. Today, the issue of digital security is one of the strategic issues directly related to the future of society."
