Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Saturday that the government will block access to TikTok for one year starting in January. The decision follows the tragic killing of a 14-year-old schoolboy in Tirana last month, which has intensified concerns about social media’s influence on youth behavior.

TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, responded by seeking urgent clarifications from the Albanian government. In a statement to the BBC, the platform said it found no evidence that the victim or the alleged attacker had TikTok accounts.

The incident, a fatal fight near a school in southern Tirana, was reportedly sparked by a confrontation on social media. The tragedy has ignited nationwide debates among parents, educators, and psychologists about the dangers posed by digital platforms.

Rama described TikTok as “the thug of the neighborhood,” accusing it of promoting harmful content outside China while highlighting educational and cultural values within its home country.

“In China, TikTok showcases education, environmental protection, and cultural traditions. But elsewhere, it’s filled with scum and mud. Why do we need this?” he said during a meeting with teachers and parents in Tirana.

To address the issue, the Prime Minister announced plans to implement educational programs during the ban, aimed at helping parents monitor and guide their children’s online activities.

TikTok has faced mounting criticism worldwide over its impact on youth and alleged ties to the Chinese government. India banned the app in 2020, citing national security concerns, while countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Somalia have also restricted access.

In the United States, TikTok faces a potential ban unless ByteDance divests its ownership by January 19, 2025. The Biden administration has cited national security risks, a claim TikTok and ByteDance deny. The US Supreme Court is set to hear TikTok’s appeal just days before the deadline.

European countries, including France, Germany, and Belgium, have introduced measures limiting social media use among children. Australia recently passed the world’s strictest legislation, barring children under 16 from using social media. Implementation is expected to take a year.

Meanwhile, UK officials are considering similar restrictions, pending further evidence about the impact of social media on mental health and safety.

The Albanian government’s decision reflects a growing global trend to reassess social media’s role in society, particularly its effects on younger users.