SKOPJE, North Macedonia — On Saturday, a political party in North Macedonia called for the government to take action against social media networks that promote violent and self-harming content. This demand follows reports of several young individuals suffering serious injuries linked to the trending “Superman challenge” on TikTok.

Health officials have noted that at least 17 students, aged between 10 and 17, were admitted to hospitals in Skopje and other regions within the last week due to various injuries, including broken bones and bruises. These incidents were reported to have occurred when friends tossed these children into the air, attempting to simulate flying like superheroes, all in hopes of gaining social media recognition.

The Liberal-Democratic Party, which was part of the ruling coalition from 2016 to early 2024, condemned the widespread dissemination of such hazardous content in a press release issued on Saturday. They specifically referenced the “Superman challenge,” stating that it had resulted in injuries to six children nationwide in a single day.

In their statement, the party expressed concern over the insufficient regulation of social media content, which allows dangerous “games” to reach the most impressionable minors. They called for immediate implementation of regulations to prohibit material that incites violent or self-destructive actions, alongside demands for enhanced oversight and penalties for platforms that facilitate these harmful trends.

Education Minister Vesna Janevska responded to this crisis by emphasizing the need for students to prioritize their education over participating in TikTok challenges. She pointed out that a ban on mobile phones within schools would be ineffective since children have access to phones outside the school environment, including at home and in their communities.

Meanwhile, psychologists have raised alarms over the growing trend of risky behaviors among youth, attributing it to the desire to fit in with social media trends and excessive smartphone use. They have urged both parents and educational institutions to engage in open conversations with students regarding such issues, emphasizing the importance of awareness and communication.