HÜDA PAR has warned that social media poses serious risks to children and young people, urging the introduction of age restrictions on digital platforms and stronger state intervention to protect the younger generation.

The party also called for a complete ban on gambling, criticized New Year’s celebrations held amid the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and condemned what it described as a “colonialist mindset” reflected in recent remarks by US President Donald Trump.

In a wide-ranging statement on current domestic and international developments, HÜDA PAR examined social, cultural, and global issues, with particular emphasis on the moral, psychological, and societal challenges confronting young people in the digital era.

“Protecting the young generation is an unavoidable responsibility”

The statement emphasized that while digitalization offers certain advantages, it also brings serious dangers—particularly for children and adolescents. HÜDA PAR said the recent rise in peer bullying, violence, and lynching incidents is deeply alarming and reflects a growing moral crisis affecting young people.

According to the party, the uncontrolled nature of the internet can easily influence, shape, and even manipulate the still-developing personalities and value systems of children and youth. It stressed that protecting the younger generation and securing their future has become an unavoidable responsibility for the state, requiring strong and decisive action without delay.

Research highlights mental health risks of social media

Referring to a large-scale study conducted by Australia-based Griffith University involving 98,299 participants, HÜDA PAR said the findings clearly show that intensive social media use shortens attention spans and significantly increases stress and anxiety levels. The statement added that excessive exposure also weakens cognitive abilities and, over time, may lead to negative effects described as “brain rot.”

Call for urgent legal regulation

HÜDA PAR pointed to Australia’s recent decision to ban access to social media platforms for individuals under the age of 16, describing it as a landmark measure aimed at reducing the harmful impact of algorithms and inappropriate content on young people.

The party noted that although Türkiye has been late in addressing this issue, discussions must now give way to swift and concrete action. It called for the rapid introduction of legal regulations to prevent the uncontrolled and unlimited use of social media by children and adolescents.

Demand for a complete ban on gambling

HÜDA PAR argued that cultural imperialism is steadily eroding the spiritual foundations of society. It described New Year’s celebrations as a product of capitalist consumer culture blended with pagan traditions, saying they form part of a broader process of moral and cultural degradation.

The statement also strongly criticized lotteries, online betting, and other gambling activities, describing them as destructive practices that promote unearned income, weaken family structures, and threaten social peace. HÜDA PAR called on the state to take firm protective measures and to ban gambling entirely, without distinguishing between legal and illegal forms.

Criticism of New Year celebrations amid Gaza crisis

Drawing attention to the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the party said lavish and costly New Year’s celebrations at a time when innocent civilians—especially children—are being killed deeply wound public conscience. It argued that prioritizing entertainment under such circumstances undermines basic human values and the sense of brotherhood.

Instead, HÜDA PAR urged society to place reflection, solidarity, sharing, and responsibility at the center of social life during such a critical period.

Reaction to Trump’s remarks

HÜDA PAR also strongly criticized recent statements by US President Donald Trump targeting African countries and migrants. The party said Trump’s remarks about turning Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” as well as his comments regarding Venezuela’s oil resources, reveal a worldview in which oppressed peoples and their natural resources are seen as objects of exploitation.

Call for a global alliance of conscience

Concluding its statement, HÜDA PAR said the world is increasingly governed by an understanding based on power, plunder, and coercion rather than law, justice, and morality.

“What is needed today,” the party said, “is a strong alliance of humanity that stands with oppressed peoples regardless of geography or identity, guided by the principle that ‘the world is bigger than five.’”

HÜDA PAR noted that such an alliance has already begun to emerge in solidarity with Gaza, with public pressure forcing governments toward sanctions, and stressed that this unity must be expanded to stand alongside all oppressed peoples in the face of imperialism. (ILKHA)