A tragedy that can be repeated...

2024-11-18 20:10:00, Opinione Lutfi Dervishi

The tragic event that happened at the Fan Noli school in Tirana, where a 14-year-old lost his life and another was injured after a brutal attack, has shocked many. But it is a foretold tragedy. This act of violence, committed by three of the victim's peers, brings to light a bitter reality: the serious consequences of conflicts initiated and encouraged on social networks and violence as a model of success.

According to initial reports, the main motive for the crime appears to have been a fight on social media that later escalated into physical violence. Within 90 seconds, a virtual "fight" turned into a tragedy. The event is an alarm bell for everyone: family, school, state institutions and society itself.

It must be admitted that the model of success that has been promoted for years is the model of violence: verbal violence, virtual violence, physical violence. The violence that is generated in social networks, is promoted in the traditional media and is finalized with "top models" in the Assembly and institutions

Cases of violence involving minors are not new. They have happened and will happen. But the lack of oversight and the influence of social media has made the situation even more disturbing. Social media, which is designed to bring people together and share information, is increasingly becoming a platform for harassment, bullying, threats and escalation of conflicts.

For students, who are still in the process of emotional and social formation, such conflicts take on dramatic proportions. A status, a photo, a thoughtless comment or a provocative post can incite outrage that spills over from the screen to the street.

The event where the 14-year-old lost his life raises questions that today are rhetorical: Are we aware of the communication and the violent environment in which we are living? Is enough being done to teach young people about conflict management? Are parents and teachers aware of the impact social media has on students' lives?

The task of the school today cannot be limited to imparting academic knowledge. Today, more than ever, we need to talk about the risk of conflict and the need for communication. At the same time, parents should be more interested not only in the real life, but also in the virtual life of their children.

Today's event is just one of many cases that show how failure to address the impact of social media and lack of education to manage emotions and conflicts can have fatal consequences.

There is an urgent need to raise awareness about cyberbullying.

A lot of news has been made and many guarantees have been given about "enhancing public safety in schools". Today's event shows that any propaganda does not last long. Empty words about "safety packages" at school, about memos and strategies today sound like mockery.

The tragedy in Tirana is not just an isolated event, but a symptom of a larger social problem. So that schools do not turn into scenes of tragedy, but are spaces for the education of the new generation, the debate must start today.

Failure to act today could cost lives tomorrow. Discussing the impact of social media is no longer a choice, but a necessity.