In a bold move, the Albanian government has announced a one-year ban on TikTok starting early 2025. Prime Minister Edi Rama cited concerns over the platform’s role in promoting violence and bullying, especially among children, as the primary reason for the ban. This decision follows a tragic incident in November 2024, where a 14-year-old boy was fatally stabbed after an online confrontation.
Rama emphasized that the ban was not a rushed reaction but a carefully considered decision made in consultation with teachers, parents, and psychologists across the country. The government plans to roll out educational programs for students and parents to address the impact of social media on young people3.
While many parents support the ban, some young people in Albania have expressed their disapproval, arguing that TikTok is a significant part of their social lives. The ban has sparked a wider debate about the influence of social media on children and the responsibility of platforms like TikTok to protect their users.
Albania’s decision to block TikTok is part of a broader effort to make schools safer and reduce the negative impact of social media on youth. The government hopes that this measure will encourage other countries to take similar actions to protect their children from the harmful effects of social media.