TikTok challenge suspected in rise of child self-harm in Kosovo's Gjakova

In a small community in Gjakova, Kosovo, a troubling wave of child self-harm cases has emerged, reportedly tied to a TikTok challenge.

TikTok and self-harm

It all came to light when a concerned parent informed local education officials that her 12-year-old daughter and friends had injured themselves, allegedly influenced by a self-harm challenge they saw on the app. This prompted an investigation led by Gjakova's chief education officer, Eranda Kumnova-Baci, uncovering at least 22 cases of self-harm among young girls across different schools.

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Initially thought to involve minor injuries, however, “But after medical examinations, we found that some of the girls had countless injuries on all parts of their bodies,” Kumnova-Baci told AFP.

This incident has cast a shadow over Gjakova, a city of 78,000 near the Albanian border. The mother of one affected girl expressed fears about TikTok, and said, “This app publishes everything, even the most dangerous content. I think the state should ban TikTok.”.

The mother revealed that the so-called “game,” is “for girls between the ages of nine and 17 on TikTok... they are imitating and acting like in the video posted there.”

AFP citing sources close to the victims said that many turned to self-harm to test their ability to bear pain, while others wanted to overcome passing feelings of desperation.

TikTok challenges: fun or a threat

TikTok's official policy prohibits content that promotes self-harm or suicide. Despite that, challenges on the platform have gone viral worldwide, sometimes with harmful consequences.

“We want TikTok to be a place where you can discuss emotionally complex topics in a supportive way without increasing the risk of harm. We do not allow showing, promoting, or sharing plans for suicide or self-harm,” said the company in a statement posted on its website.

(With inputs from agencies)