In a decisive move following the tragic murder of a 14-year-old student in Tirana, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced that the government is considering a complete ban on TikTok and Snapchat. The decision follows a violent altercation between schoolmates that escalated through social media, raising concerns about the role these platforms may play in promoting violence and bullying among youth.
The incident, which occurred at Fan Noli Elementary School, involved a fatal knife attack stemming from a dispute fueled by social media interactions. Rama highlighted that the perpetrator had posted images of the weapon online before the attack, while peers used TikTok and Snapchat to spread threats, further exacerbating the situation.
In response to these concerns, the Albanian government has initiated public consultations with parents of middle and high school students to gauge support for the proposed ban. Rama emphasized the importance of democratic engagement in this process, stating that any decision would reflect the views of the majority.
In addition to considering a ban on these social media platforms, the government is planning to enhance school safety measures, including installing surveillance cameras in classrooms and on school grounds, funded by international partners. These measures aim to create a safer environment for students and reduce the negative effects of unregulated social media use.
As discussions continue, parents are expected to take an active role, with some already planning demonstrations to push for better school safety.
