Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced today that the issue of banning the social networks TikTok and Snapchat in Albania or setting an age limit for access to them will be subject to public discussion, the ”Shchiptarya” information portal reported.
Determining these two platforms as the most productive sources of inciting violence and bullying among minors, Rama said the decision would be taken after consultation with parents in all schools.
These statements by the Albanian Prime Minister come two days after the murder of a 14-year-old boy in Tirana by his peer.
Martin Tzani, a student at an elementary school in the centre of the Albanian capital, was fatally stabbed on Monday near the school by another 14-year-old boy who had started a fight with him and a third boy, their classmate, after school hours.
The suspect in the killing and stabbing of the other boy was arrested yesterday. In his testimony, the 14-year-old boy stated that the fight happened because Martin Zani was “watching” him.
The incident shook Albanian society and raised the concerns of citizens related to insults that spread through social networks, Shchiptarya notes.
Information appeared in the Albanian media that the boy who stabbed Tsani and wounded the other boy is called Mario Preleshi. They shared photos uploaded by Preleshi on social media showing him with a bandaged hand after being injured in the fight and Snapchat footage of him showing the knife allegedly used in the murder, BTA reports.
Rama, quoted by Euronews Albania, said that ensuring safety in schools is a top priority of the Albanian government. He added that finding a solution would not be so easy, given that ”many countries are trying to implement protective filters, but without significant results.”
“As a government, we have been engaged for a long time in studying this issue (of restricting social networks or access to them), watching what other countries are doing, but also by looking for possible solutions to reduce this increasingly frightening pressure. Similar initiatives have been taken by Australia, where access to social networks is currently prohibited for all children under the age of 16, as well as by France, where the condition that parents approve the creation of an online profile is being discussed,” said the Albanian Prime Minister.
He added that the problem of the lack of a system for implementing these restrictions from a technical point of view remains unresolved.
“Now our dilemma as a government is whether we should also try to go in the direction of applying filters, which in fact from previous experience has proven to be of low effectiveness, and the cases of insulting people (on social networks) are increasing. Or take drastic measures to stop TikTok and Snapchat,” Rama said.
How can parents and schools work together to address the influence of social media on children?
Time.news Editor: Good day! Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent announcement by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama regarding potential restrictions on TikTok and Snapchat in Albania. We have Dr. Elira Hoxha, a sociologist specializing in the impact of social media on youth behavior, with us today. Dr. Hoxha, could you provide some context around the Prime Minister’s announcement?
Dr. Elira Hoxha: Thank you for having me. The Prime Minister’s call for public discussion about banning TikTok and Snapchat stems from a tragic event—the murder of a 14-year-old boy, Martin Tzani, in Tirana. These platforms have been identified as conduits for bullying and violence, particularly among minors. The decision to potentially restrict access is a reaction to concerns raised by this incident and a broader societal clamor about the influence of social media on youth behavior.
Time.news Editor: That’s an insightful introduction. The incident certainly was shocking. Can you elaborate on how social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat could be impacting the behavior of young people?
Dr. Elira Hoxha: Absolutely. Social media is a powerful tool, especially for adolescents who are still developing their sense of identity. On platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, where content is often sensationalized or encourages competitive behavior, young people may feel pressure to conform to certain standards or engage in risky behavior to gain attention. This can lead to a culture of bullying, where the perceived need to establish dominance may culminate in extreme actions, as we grievously witnessed in this case.
Time.news Editor: It’s a concerning aspect of our digital age. The Prime Minister mentioned consulting with parents and schools before making a final decision. How important do you believe their input will be in shaping policies regarding social media access for minors?
Dr. Elira Hoxha: Parental involvement is crucial in guiding children’s social media use. Engaging parents in discussions not only empowers them to enforce age-appropriate boundaries but also encourages communities to address the underlying issues that lead to conflicts among youth. Education around digital literacy, responsible usage, and open discussions about online interactions can foster a safer environment for children.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of education, do you think there’s a gap in the current educational curriculum when it comes to addressing social media behaviors and their consequences?
Dr. Elira Hoxha: Definitely. Many schools have started incorporating digital citizenship into their curricula, but there is still a significant gap. A comprehensive program that includes discussions on the ramifications of online behavior, mental health awareness, and conflict resolution can equip students with the skills they need to navigate the complexities of social media. It’s not just about regulation; educating the youth to engage responsibly is equally important.
Time.news Editor: That’s a great point. As society grapples with the implications of social media, how can we balance the benefits of these platforms with the need for safety and mental well-being among minors?
Dr. Elira Hoxha: It’s a delicate balance. While social media can be a creative outlet and facilitate connectivity, crucial safeguards must be put in place. Proper regulation can help mitigate risks, but it should be complemented by fostering a culture of empathy and understanding among young users. Moreover, reinforcing the role of supportive peer relationships and open communication at home can create a buffer against the negative aspects of social media.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Hoxha, thank you for sharing your valuable insights. The decision ahead is complex, and it’s clear that a multi-faceted approach involving education, community discourse, and policy-making will be essential in navigating this issue.
Dr. Elira Hoxha: Thank you for having me. I’m hopeful that these discussions will lead to constructive actions that help protect our youth while also recognizing the positive potential of social media.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hoxha, for your time and expertise. We look forward to seeing how the situation unfolds in Albania and the steps that will be taken to ensure the safety of young users in the digital landscape.