“Children, Screens, and a New Form of Violence” written by Prof. Çisil Sohodol, Director of CIFAL Istanbul, was published in Dünya Newspaper on 28 March 2026.
The article examines the relationship between social media, youth identity and the normalization of violence, drawing on recent incidents involving young people in London. It explores how social media platforms can transform conflicts into organized confrontations by amplifying provocative content, encouraging visibility and creating group-based identities. Beyond the role of algorithms and digital platforms, the article considers the wider social factors behind youth violence, including loneliness, economic uncertainty, weakened social connections and the need for belonging. It questions whether restricting social media alone can address these challenges and instead highlights the importance of creating safe and meaningful spaces where young people can express themselves, build a sense of belonging and participate in society without turning to violence. By connecting digital behaviour with broader social vulnerabilities, the article emphasizes the need to understand youth violence as a wider social issue rather than solely a technological one.
To read the full article, follow the link below:
https://www.dunya.com/kose-yazisi/cocuklar-ekranlar-ve-siddetin-yeni-bicimi/819679#google_vignette