North Macedonia Calls for Ban on Dangerous Social Media Challenges After Student Injuries

North Macedonian Political Party Calls for Ban on Social Media Content Promoting Dangerous Challenges

SKOPJE, North Macedonia — A political party in North Macedonia is urging the government to take action against social media platforms that promote harmful content, following a surge in injuries linked to the viral “Superman challenge” on TikTok.

The challenge, which encourages young people to throw themselves into the air to mimic superhero stunts, has resulted in at least 17 students, ages 10 to 17, being hospitalized with serious injuries in recent days. These injuries, including broken bones, bruises, and contusions, occurred as children attempted the stunt for internet attention.

The Liberal-Democratic Party, which was part of the country’s left-leaning coalition government until early 2024, issued a statement on Saturday condemning the spread of such dangerous content on social media. The party specifically highlighted the “Superman challenge” on TikTok, which has led to injuries in at least six children across North Macedonia in just 24 hours.

The party criticized the lack of proper regulation on social media platforms, arguing that this allowed dangerous trends to reach vulnerable users, especially minors. They are calling for immediate measures to ban content that promotes violence and self-destructive behavior, increase oversight of social media, and impose sanctions on platforms that enable these trends.

Concerns Over Youth Behavior and Social Media Influence

Vesna Janevska, North Macedonia’s education minister, emphasized that students should focus on their education, not risky social media challenges. While acknowledging the limited impact of mobile phone bans in schools, she pointed out that children still have access to these platforms at home and in their communities.

Psychologists have raised alarms over the increasing influence of social media, warning that children are becoming more inclined to engage in dangerous behaviors to fit in with online trends. They are urging parents and educators to talk openly with students about the risks associated with excessive phone use and social media participation.

The growing concern over these “challenges” calls for more responsible management of online platforms, especially as the influence of social media continues to shape youth behavior.

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