Albania launches public consultation on TikTok, Snapchat ban following teen’s tragic death

The Albanian government has initiated consultations with parents in middle and high schools to decide whether TikTok and Snapchat should be banned. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that the government will take action based on the majority’s input after a democratic consultation process.

Why is this important: The initiative was prompted by the murder of a 14-year-old student in Tirana, which stemmed from a schoolyard argument that escalated on social media. The tragedy involved a violent altercation that led to one death and two injuries. Disturbingly, the perpetrator shared the weapon on social media, while peers used TikTok and Snapchat to spread threats and glorify violence.

The incident has raised alarms about the dangers of online platforms in promoting hate speech and violence, particularly among teenagers.

Context: Public concern over social media’s influence on youth behavior has surged following the tragedy. Prime Minister Rama emphasized the broader societal risks, criticizing the normalization of hate speech in media and politics. He specifically pointed to confrontational behavior in Parliament as an example of toxic public discourse.

The government has also announced plans to improve school safety by installing surveillance cameras in classrooms and school premises. Funded by the United Arab Emirates, this system aims to curb bullying and ensure security. The program is part of a larger digital monitoring initiative already credited with enhancing road safety in Albania.

Next steps: 

• Consultation with parents: Discussions will take place in schools to gather input on banning TikTok and Snapchat for students.
• Classroom surveillance: The government plans to implement a new digital monitoring system in schools over the next 20 months, allowing parents to monitor school safety in real-time.
• Review of phone policies: The current ban on phone use in schools will be revisited, with stricter enforcement expected.

These measures are intended to create a safer environment for students and mitigate the harmful effects of unregulated social media.