Albania has announced a one-year nationwide ban on TikTok, following the tragic killing of a teenager last month. The move, unveiled by Prime Minister Edi Rama on Saturday, aims to address growing concerns about the influence of social media on children and ensure safer school environments. The ban is set to take effect early next year.
“For one year, we’ll be completely shutting it down for everyone. There will be no TikTok in Albania,” Rama declared after discussions with parents and teachers across the country.
The decision comes after a 14-year-old schoolboy was fatally stabbed in November, reportedly following a social media argument with a fellow pupil. TikTok videos had surfaced showing minors supporting the violent act, intensifying public outrage.
Prime Minister Rama has accused social media, particularly TikTok, of fostering violence among young people both inside and outside schools. “The problem today is not our children, the problem today is TikTok and all the others taking our children hostage,” he said.
Albania’s action reflects broader global efforts to regulate social media’s impact on youth. Several European nations, including France and Germany, have imposed restrictions on children’s social media use. In a more drastic step, Australia recently enacted a complete ban on social media access for individuals under 16.
TikTok has not yet commented on the Albanian government’s decision. As the ban approaches implementation, debate continues over the role of technology in shaping the lives of young people and the responsibilities of society in safeguarding them.
