Child Friendly Conversations by the Directorate General of Child Services continue. In the third of the conversation series, the topic of Child Friendly Games and Toys has been discussed.

The conversation has been held with the participation of Zeliha Sağlam, Director General, and expert guests. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seda Topçu, Exp. Psychologist Mehmet Teber, Dr. Zeynep Safiye Baki Nalcıoğlu, Preschool Teacher Kübra Ertürk have attended the broadcast, which has been live on YouTube Channel of the Ministry and where the impact of games and toys on child development has been discussed.

The issues as games and toys conceptually, games in the digital age and the effect of harmful games on child development, the choice of games and toys for our children according to their ages, the role of games in parent-child relationship, the effect of keeping traditional games alive on strengthening family relations and social cohesion have been addressed in the conversation.

Protective and Preventive Activities

Making the opening speech of the conversation, Director General Sağlam has said that within the scope of the protective and preventive activities of the Directorate General of Child Services, activities are carried out against all kinds of negative effects of digital life, and that the social media working group immediately intervenes in the content that is harmful to children in digital and visual media.

Sağlam has added, “In addition, we create lists of books suitable for the ages and development of our children in the 0-6 age group. We closely follow children's books, games and toys, contents for children on television and social media. It is our priority to make everyone aware of this issue.”

Emphasizing that she attaches importance to cooperation and common sense in solving the problems, Sağlam has said that they will continue to work in the field of children in consultation with our other public institutions and organizations, universities and non-governmental organizations.

The Importance of Games and Toys

In the conversation, where it has been emphasized that games and toys have an important role in the development of children, it has been noted that toys are a tool for children to interact with the environment and that interaction is one of the most important learning methods.

It has been mentioned that children also use the game in their relationships with adults, especially their parents, so that they can find the necessary support in expressing their feelings and needs.

It has been underlined that play is not only a means of passing time for children but also an important life activity such as accommodation, eating and sleeping. It has been shared that children can experience many phenomena such as competition and productivity through games. In the conversation, it has been emphasized that games and toys are vital for children, not entertainment tools.

Reminding that children are introduced to digital games with the use of digital tools, the broadcast has emphasized the issues that families should pay attention to when choosing games, and what needs to be done to protect children against risks.