On September 10, under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, the Turkish government announced a new initiative aimed at addressing issues of addiction to gambling, the internet, smartphones, and video games. Senior officials present at the meeting included the Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu, Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya, Minister of Education Yusuf Tekin, Chairman of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) Erol Özvar, and Chairman of the Supreme Council of Radio and Television (RTÜK) Ebubekir Şahin.
In addition to the aforementioned individuals, representatives from various departmental units involved in combating addiction also attended the meeting. Vice President Yılmaz noted that besides the known issues of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, gambling and digital addiction have become serious threats that need priority attention.
Another topic discussed at the meeting was the revision of current legislation related to combating nicotine addiction, with the aim of collaborating with universities to increase the academic community's contribution to this effort. Additionally, the Ministry of Health announced the launch of a new anti-tobacco use campaign.
At the meeting, Yılmaz also highlighted the new curriculum approved by the Ministry of Education, aimed at enhancing students’, teachers’, and parents’ awareness and prevention of addiction. This curriculum will be gradually implemented starting from the next academic year, initially in preschool, first grade, fifth grade, and the first year of high school.
Yılmaz stated, “We will also expand treatment opportunities and support policies to prevent various addictive behaviors in our generation.” He emphasized the importance of cooperation between national institutions, non-governmental organizations, families, educational institutions, and the health sector.
PS: Holding a meeting on combating gambling addiction and drug addiction together, does it mean that gambling addiction is as hard to quit as drug addiction?