Tackling Dangerous TikTok Trends in Schools: Kosovo’s Response

Kosovo’s educational institutions are combating dangerous TikTok trends that have led to self-harm among students. Discover the measures taken to protect children and prevent harmful social media challenges.

The rise of social media platforms like TikTok has fostered a culture where online challenges can have harmful real-life consequences. Recent incidents in Kosovo reveal how students, influenced by TikTok videos, engaged in self-harm, prompting educational institutions to take swift action. Schools, parents, and officials are now grappling with how to curb these dangerous trends and protect students from harmful content.

Alarming Trends Emerge in Kosovo Schools

In the past month, students in the municipalities of Kamenica and Gjakovë have reportedly self-harmed after being inspired by TikTok challenges. These troubling incidents are not isolated, with similar cases emerging earlier this year in other regions, including Fushë Kosova and Lipjan. Psychologist Aliriza Arënliu highlights the urgency of the situation, stating, "These cases will not go away by themselves if they are not addressed."

The situation has triggered a widespread response from educational institutions and local authorities, as they work to counteract the harmful effects of social media.

Educational Institutions Implement Strict Measures

In Gjakovë, schools have banned the use of mobile phones during class hours in a bid to prevent students from accessing harmful content. Eranda Kumnova-Baçi, head of the Directorate for Education in Gjakovë, explains that urgent meetings with teachers, school management, parents, and even police officers were organized to address the issue.

“The thread of this 'game' started from social networks,” says Kumnova-Baçi, noting that 22 students across various schools in the municipality had self-harmed, with some incidents involving injuries to hands and other body parts.

In Kamenica, a similar situation has unfolded. Afrim Dervishi, the head of the Directorate for Education, stated that "dangerous games" circulating online have led to serious concerns. Around 20 students participated in a challenge where they held their breath for extended periods, an alarming competition that could have fatal consequences.

Child Protection Initiatives Take Center Stage

In response to these incidents, educational leaders in Kosovo have taken steps aligned with the Ministry of Education’s child protection guidelines. These guidelines, part of an Administrative Instruction introduced by the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MASHTI), are designed to promote the safety and well-being of students in both real and virtual environments.

MESTI has been conducting information sessions in various municipalities, emphasizing the importance of teaching children about safe online behavior. The Ministry has also developed a guide titled “Journey through the Internet,” which provides students, parents, and teachers with practical tools for navigating the digital world responsibly.

Additionally, Kosovo’s government has allocated funds for the recruitment of over 500 new psychologists, pedagogues, and support staff to help schools address the mental health challenges posed by harmful social media trends.

Experts Call for Comprehensive Solutions

While hiring psychologists and implementing child protection measures are steps in the right direction, psychologist Aliriza Arënliu stresses that more needs to be done. “People who work in the field need programs, systematic interventions, and training. This is where we are falling short,” he says.

The need for media education in schools is also being emphasized. Professor Alban Zeneli from the University of Pristina has advocated for the inclusion of a mandatory Media Education course in schools to help students critically analyze online content. According to Zeneli, MESTI’s current guidelines focus more on the technical aspects of Internet use rather than teaching students how to understand and avoid risks associated with platforms like TikTok.

Parental Control and TikTok Restrictions

The role of parents in mitigating the dangers of social media is also crucial. Sociologist Jeton Brajshori believes that parents should take a proactive stance, monitoring their children’s online activities without infringing on their right to privacy. “A child under 18 doesn’t need strict privacy. Parents should be careful about what their children watch on TikTok and who they interact with,” says Brajshori.

Technology experts like Ermal Sadiku have echoed these sentiments, suggesting that parents should remove TikTok entirely from their children's phones. He points out that TikTok’s content is more difficult to regulate compared to other platforms, making it a higher-risk app for children. Tools like parental control modules can limit screen time, but they require parents to be tech-savvy, which presents another challenge.

 A Collective Approach to Combatting Harmful Trends

Kosovo’s efforts to combat dangerous TikTok trends highlight the complex intersection of education, mental health, and parental responsibility. While schools implement strict measures and authorities promote media literacy, the collaboration between parents, educators, and policymakers remains crucial to protecting children from harmful online content. By fostering a supportive environment both at home and in schools, Kosovo aims to ensure that students develop critical thinking skills and make healthier decisions in the digital age.