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Fifteen million of Türkiye's 21 million young people under age 30 depend on allowances from their parents each morning, according to a new survey highlighting severe digital access inequality among the country's youth.
The Foundation for Access to Information Technology and Education (BEEV) released its Digital Rights and Access: Youth Access, Perception and Competency Overview survey, revealing that half of young people say they would struggle long-term or be unable to replace a broken digital device.
About 80% of those unable to easily replace devices live outside Istanbul, the survey found.
"Just as we cannot ask a young person why they are wearing a coat in the middle of winter, we should not ask why they have a smartphone. They know they cannot buy a new one if it breaks," said Bekir Agirdir, chairman of the Data Institute board, which conducted the research.
The survey of 819 young people aged 18 to 30 found that while 52% could replace their most important digital device quickly, 42% require long-term planning. Device replacement capabilities decrease significantly among younger age groups, women and those with lower income levels.
About 83% of participants view equal access to information technology as a fundamental element of educational opportunity. However, digital skills are largely self-taught, with 64% of young people acquiring digital competencies independently.
While proficiency in office programs remains relatively high, 64% feel inadequate in coding and software development.
Three out of four young people say they will "fall behind" if they cannot develop their digital skills.
"The claim that young people are picky about jobs is not true; the conditions to realize their dreams are not being provided," Agirdir said.
The survey found that digital access deficiency leads to motivation and hope loss among young people. In the 18-24 age group:
"18% of young people feel dependent due to a lack of digital access. This data shows that young people are crying out," Agirdir said.
The gender gap in digital skills is significant. In office programs, 47% of women feel proficient compared to 58% of men. In coding, only 9% of women feel proficient versus 16% of men.
"Coding is not a 'niche skill' but a competency with multiplier effects," the survey states.
Agirdir emphasized that organized malice dominates Türkiye's digital world and young people constitute the most vulnerable group.
"We have left social justice to TV series. Either we will accept 15-year-olds becoming hitmen or we will produce policies to change this," Agirdir said. "A national strategy with consensus is needed to create a better environment for young people."
The survey concludes that owning a device does not create equality. True opportunity equality requires sustainable access, strong infrastructure and a systematic skill development ecosystem.
"To socialize digital transformation in Türkiye, an education system that defines digital skills as a fundamental right and a multi-stakeholder governance model where the public sector, private sector, local governments and civil society act together is essential," Agirdir said.
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