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.

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.

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

Albania’s prime minister said the country will be banning TikTok for one year, citing violence and bullying among children after a teenager died. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the app would be “fully closed for all,

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.

Albanian children comprise the largest group of TikTok users in the country, according to domestic researchers.

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