Albania will implement a one-year nationwide ban on TikTok following the death of a teenage schoolboy who was stabbed to death by a fellow student in November. The ban is part of a broader plan to make schools safer and follows similar actions taken in several European countries.
After a tragic incident involving arguments between students on social media, domestic researchers found that Albanian children represent the largest user group on TikTok. To address this issue, authorities have conducted 1,300 meetings with teachers and parents and implemented protective measures such as increased police presence at schools and training programs.
The U.S. has recently enforced restrictions on social media use for minors, including a complete ban in Australia under 16. A federal appeals court upheld the ban earlier this month, finding national security interests in regulating TikTok. The Supreme Court will hear arguments on January 10, with the ban set to take effect January 19, 2025.
Reacting to the ban, Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that “the problem today is not our children, but us and social media platforms like TikTok.” However, TikTok argued that the ban was based on inaccurate information, threatening free speech. President-elect Donald Trump has expressed support for TikTok, despite concerns over its impact on youth.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/albania-tiktok-ban-taking-children-hostage-2004654