Social Media Ban Demanded After TikTok Challenge Injuries
TikTok Challenge Sparks Injuries and Concerns in North Macedonia
A recent TikTok challenge, known as the “Superman challenge,” has led to serious injuries among young people in North Macedonia. The challenge involves being thrown into the air by friends to mimic flying superheroes and has resulted in at least 17 students, aged 10-17, being hospitalised with broken bones, contusions, and bruises.
Political Party Demands Action
In response to the injuries, the Liberal Democratic Party has demanded that authorities ban social networks that promote violent and self-destructive content. The party condemned the spread of dangerous content on social media, citing the lack of adequate control over content as a major concern.
The demand for a ban on social media platforms promoting harmful content in North Macedonia highlights a crucial concern that transcends geographical boundaries. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, safety concerns surrounding social media challenges must be addressed uniformly across the globe.
Call for Increased Surveillance and Sanctions
The party has called for immediate measures to ban content that
- Incites violence and self-destructive behaviour
- Increase surveillance
- Sanction platforms that enable dangerous trends
Education Minister Weighs In
North Macedonia’s education minister, Vesna Janevska, has emphasised the need for students to focus on education rather than social media challenges. She noted that banning mobile phones in schools would not be effective, as children would still have access to phones in other environments.
Psychologists Warn of Risks
Psychologists have warned that the desire to follow social media trends, combined with excessive mobile phone use, is a major contributor to the rise in risky behaviours among children. They have urged parents and schools to engage with students and address these concerns
Children are particularly vulnerable to the allure of social media challenges, often lacking the maturity to discern potential risks. The "Superman challenge" is a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise when children engage in reckless behaviour to emulate online trends. It is problematic for parents, who must constantly monitor their children's online activities and worry about the potential consequences of their engagement with social media.
A Unified Approach to Ensuring Online Safety
A unified approach is necessary to mitigate the risks associated with social media challenges. Governments, social media platforms, and parents must collaborate to establish and enforce stringent regulations that prioritise online safety. This includes:
- Implementing age restrictions and strict content moderation policies
- Educating children and parents about online safety and the potential risks of social media challenges
- Encouraging responsible social media practices and promoting digital literacy
Adopting a comprehensive and global approach to regulating social media challenges can create a safer online environment for children and adults alike.
Source:
1. Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
