A mandatory ‘advertising’ period on the internet to combat substance abuse
A draft report was prepared as part of the work conducted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly’s Commission on Substance Abuse.
According to a report containing recommendations for implementing measures to prevent substance abusein collaboration with relevant agencies, institutions, and civil society organizations, the internet will also be utilized in the fight against substance abuse.
As part of this initiative, efforts will be made to place mandatory videos containing messages of appropriate duration on websites—including those featuring the most-visited social media influencers, online games, and online shopping sites—based on the target audience.
10-second informational short films will be produced
To raise public awareness, 4- to 5-second mandatory ads will be shown before online games—especially those played by young people—launch, or engaging and informative short videos of up to 10 seconds will be produced that players must watch before the game begins.
Games will feature stimulating content
At the same time, measures will be taken to ensure that warning labels are used in video games to prevent harmful content.
In addition to posting short videos on YouTube about the dangers of drugs, the initiative will enable “YouTube influencers” to deliver effective messages and allow well-known figures to directly convey to young people the key points they need to be aware of regarding this issue.
Messages with a guiding message will be included in the dialogue of TV series
Content moderation on social media will be stepped up, and necessary regulations will be implemented to prevent internet users from having easy access to illicit drugs.
In popular TV series as well, the actors’ messages guiding the audience on the topic will be incorporated into the dialogue.
A media guide will be prepared
In addition, as part of the effort to combat substance abuse, there will be collaboration with the media.
In this context, since the written or verbal portrayal in the media of the false, temporary, and glorifying effects of substance use on an individual could encourage at-risk individuals, terms such as “drug lord,” “market value,” “recreational drug,” and “high,” which carry connotations of encouragement, will be replaced with terms that do not imply encouragement, such as “addict,” “person in need of treatment,” “harmful substance,” and similar expressions.
In news reports following an operation conducted by law enforcement, care will be taken to use terms such as “bag,” “package,” and “kilogram” rather than specifying the economic value of the seized substance.
Guidance regarding the use and procurement of drugs in TV series, movies, and photographs will be avoided. A media guide will be prepared as part of the fight against drugs.
According to the draft, which states that it would be appropriate to introduce a certification program for journalists covering drug-related news in the media, the certification program will provide media professionals with information on a wide range of topics—including terminology, legislation, diagnosis, and treatment centers—to ensure the accurate dissemination of information on addiction and to raise public awareness.
ANKARA – YEŞİM SERT KARAASLAN, AA
