13-year-old in Istog gets hurt by challenge “TikTok's Superman”

A primary school student “Martin Camaj” in Gurrakoc in Istog has suffered bodily injuries, as several other students have played the challenge “Superman”, which has become famous on the TikTok social network. In this challenge, two to three people try to keep the other person who “sits on” in their arms, but in some cases they will then re-enter it or do not expect it at all and the person falls to the ground.

The event in Istog took place on Thursday (December 5th) during the student break, school principal Mimoza Kabashi has announced for TIME, announcing that 13-year-olds have initially been taken by an educator with that class.

The case was initially addressed to the educator who had hours in that class then to me. And as a school, we reacted immediately to getting help”, she declared.

The school principal made it known that the minor had a head injury after she fell on the floor until she said that she also had trouble in her womb, trembled, and faded.

Kabashi has declared further that the student has received medical treatment, and on Friday has returned to school.

TikTok's phenomenon has also reacted to the Communist Education Directorate in Istog. She has asked Istog schools for next week to hold information sessions for students on using online networks.

I request from you, as principals, from next Monday (09.12.2024), in each classroom of your schools to hold an information session with students about using social networks. A number of problems related to the use of social networks by schoolchildren have emerged in recent days, which does not contribute to the actual education of our schools”, says director Naim Behlulaj's response on Facebook.

The director at “Martin Kamaj”, Mimoza Kabashi, has requested that such cases be prevented, inviting more security awareness and digital environment in Kosovo schools.

“Faces increasing concerns related to the dangerous and harmful challenges that circulate on social networks, and not alone. Focus should also be on improper and harmful content, online confusion and social pressure, privacy risk and security... E Other situations that pose potential risks for children, their well-being and safety, appeal: Together let's prevent the serious consequences that come from dangerous challenges in TikTok and other digital platforms! Supervision and more awareness work. To create a more secure digital environment for our children”, it says in her appeal.

Two days ago, sociologist Jeton Brajshori alarmed the challenge by seeking vigilance from parents and school principals.

TikTok's challenges have long been the focus of discussions due to great risk for children. There have also been calls for this social network to be banned in Kosovo.