Albania’s prime minister says the ban on TikTok his government announced was “not a rushed reaction to a single incident.”

The Albanian government announced that starting in early 2025, it will impose a year-long ban on TikTok for all citizens. The decision is a response to the growing violence among youth, which Prime Minister Edi Rama attributes to the influence of social media.

TikTok, the popular short form video app currently facing a behind ban in the US, will be banned from Albania for a year after the death of a 14-year-old. The country announced a one-year ban on the social media app over the weekend as part of a widespread plan to enhance safety in schools.

PM Edi Rama announced the move after meeting parents and teachers over the effects on young people of social media.

Albania's prime minister’s decision to shut down TikTok on Sunday was criticized by the country's youth, who say the video service is not entirely responsible for crime and violence.

Albania on Saturday announced a one-year ban on TikTok, the popular short video app, following the killing of a teenager last month that raised fears over the influence of social media on children.

Albania will ban TikTok for one year, after the killing of a teenager raised fears the social media app is a negative influence.