Social media age limit is 16, increasing penalties for child offenders

The government has completed its work on regulations regarding crimes perpetrated by children.

The regulation envisages changes to five different laws.

A total of 17 articles have been prepared. However, there are two main headings within this draft.

One of them is the Regulations for Combating Juvenile Delinquency, and the other is the Regulations for Protecting Children from Digital Dangers.

AGE LIMIT FOR SOCIAL MEDIA

Within the scope of the Regulations for the Protection of Children from Digital Dangers, social network providers are stipulated not to provide services to children under the age of 15. In other words, a child under the age of 16 will not be able to actively use social media accounts used internationally.

REGULATION FOR AGGRAVATED LIFE IMPRISONMENT SENTENCE REDUCTION

The Regulation on Combating Juvenile Delinquency covers children between the ages of 15 and 18 who have been drawn into crime.

According to Article 31 of the Turkish Penal Code, children in this age group were given reduced sentences if they committed any crime.

Accordingly, sentences of up to 24 years could be given for crimes that required aggravated life imprisonment.

According to the draft, this period is envisaged to be increased to 27 years.

The sentence of up to 15 years in prison, instead of life imprisonment, is planned to be increased to 18 years.

DISCRETION NOT TO APPLY DISCOUNT

There is another noteworthy item in the draft.

The severity of the fault based on intent, the purpose and motive pursued, the manner in which the crime was committed, and whether or not a previous intentional crime was committed...

If these situations are detected, the judge has the discretion not to apply any reduction in the sentence.

It is also envisaged that penalties for the violation of obligations arising from family law will be increased.

The lower limit for this crime will be increased from one month to two months.

The penalty for committing this crime against a pregnant spouse will be increased from 3 to 1 year in prison to 4 months to 2 years.

The penalty for seriously endangering the morality, safety and health of children will be increased to imprisonment from 6 months to 3 years.

Disciplinary Detention is Coming

The amendment to the Child Protection Law will also include disciplinary detention for those who act contrary to protective measures decisions regarding children.

Another regulation was made regarding children acting together with criminal organizations.

In this context, the lower and upper limits of imprisonment for crimes such as establishing an organization, managing an organization, and being a member will be increased.