Skopje, 9 May 2023 (MIA) - The ban on TikTok will have a short-term effect. Еven if authorities decide to do it, we cannot stop there and believe that the problem is solved, says Ana Fritzhand, head of the Institute of Psychology at the Faculty of Philosophy in Skopje, referring to the eventual ban or restriction of TikTok used by students.

"The problem will not be solved because students will find another social network or another way to access it if they want, as they are quite resourceful. When it comes to adolescents or pre-adolescents, it is a period when they rebel against authority, and if you restrict something, they will do the opposite to show that they can bypass your ban," said Fritzhand in response to a reporter's question regarding the restriction mulled by competent institutions.

Fritzhand noted that TikTok and social networks cause serious damage in terms of how and for what purposes they are used, what is available to children and young people. She remarked that if it is going to be banned, which can produce a good outcome, something should immediately be done so that they understand the reason. In order to achieve that, a lot will have to be explained and that takes time, effort, energy, and patience.

"It must be clear to them why it is wrong to emulate violent role-models. We also need to take into consideration developmental characteristics of children aged 10-12. It is important that they get a social reward, affirmation how many times someone liked what they posted, this is a need for attention. We cannot expect them to behave like adults, which is why order, control and boundaries need to be established. We need to explain that the ban is not because we are an authority, but because there is a deeper reason for it," explained Fritzhand at the debate on peer violence organized by The American University of Europe- FON on Tuesday. ssh/ik/