On December 21, 2024, Albania took a drastic decision by announcing the suspension of TikTok nationwide starting in early 2025. This decision follows a tragedy in the Albanian capital Tirana, where a 14-year-old student died during a fight that started after a dispute on social media.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama called TikTok a “thug” spreading “filth and mud” and decided to ban the social network for at least one year. This measure aims to protect young people and limit the negative influence of social networks on their daily lives.
The decision has sparked a debate about the impact of social networks on Albanian youth. The Albanian government is also working on educational programs to raise awareness among students and support parents in monitoring their children’s online activities.
TikTok, with its ultra-short videos and engaging algorithm, has become hugely popular with young people around the world. However, its success has also been marred by criticism over the spread of inappropriate, violent and obscene content.
In other countries, such as Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia, TikTok has also been linked to worrying incidents, such as cases of self-harm among teenage girls and dangerous challenges that endanger the health of young people.
Albania’s decision to suspend TikTok is part of a global trend of increased monitoring of social media and protection of young people from harmful content online. Countries such as France, Italy, the United States and Australia have also taken steps to limit young people’s access to social media or to more strictly regulate content distributed online.
It is crucial for authorities and citizens around the world to remain vigilant against the potential dangers of social media and ensure that online platforms adhere to ethical standards and ensure the safety of users, especially the youngest among them. Albania’s decision to suspend TikTok is an important step in this direction, demonstrating the country’s commitment to protecting its youth and promoting a healthy and safe cyberspace for all.