Albania announced a one-year ban on TikTok on Saturday, following the tragic death of a 14-year-old schoolboy who was fatally stabbed by a classmate in November following a social media argument; local media reported that the altercation was fueled by disputes on TikTok.
Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed concerns about the platform’s influence on children, saying that its appeal, particularly through influencers or “neighborhood troublemakers,” was stronger than the values parents sought to instill at home. He underlined the dangers of children being affected by TikTok content once they leave their homes, undermining parental guidance, during a meeting with parents and educators in Tirana.
A new action plan to enhance school safety and fortify the bonds between schools, students, and their families was unveiled by the government at the same ceremony. Rama affirmed that TikTok would be prohibited for a year as part of this campaign, with full implementation anticipated in six to eight weeks. The government intends to keep an eye on global reactions, possible new technology filters, and TikTok’s response to these developments during this time.
Rama also emphasized that the ban was a component of a larger plan to protect children, saying that all Albanian ministries and institutions would have to establish youth-focused programs that went beyond social media-related concerns. The premier underlined that this action was only a single component of a larger strategy to address the issues facing the nation’s young people.