Parents are being warned about a new dangerous craze 'chroming' that is claiming the lives of children

Wales Online

2 days ago

Parents are being warned about a new dangerous craze 'chroming' that is claiming the lives of children
It has already caused the death of a child in UK and parents are being warned of the dangers
The dangerous trend has led to the loss off life of young people across the world
(Image: PA )
A Welsh school has warned parents about the dangers of new online craze that has been targeting teens called Chroming. But what does it mean exactly?
Safer Schools, a safeguarding initiative says that chroming refers to act where a person inhales chemicals like aerosols, nitrous oxide, solvents, and nitrites. While doing this might result in a temporary 'high', it can also lead to deadly consequences like heart and lung damage. These substances can also cause harm to a person's brain, and behavioural development.
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Although the abuse of these chemicals in such a way is not new, the way the trend is spreading among teens over social media is what raised concern.
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What has been the impact of this trend?
The trend has already resulted in loss of life among teenagers across the world, including one in the UK when a 11-year-old-boy in Lancashire died after following the trend. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
On November 8, 2023, UK government had updated its laws classifying nitrous oxide as a Class C drug entailing criminal penalties for those abuse it.
Still, as the chemicals that are misused in chroming are widely available is common household items like glue, permanent markers, and deodorant cans, it is harder to regulate.
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Why are young people using it?
Safer Schools states that children and young people might be enticed to engage in this craze due to its feeling (intoxication), thrill seeking, media influence, or peer pressure.
How are young people using it?
There are several ways in which people use to inhale the chemicals while chroming, which also makes it challenging to control dosage significantly increasing the risk.
Spraying – This involves spraying the contents of an aerosol container directly into the mouth or nose.
Bagging – This method entails spraying the contents of an aerosol container into a paper or plastic bag, which is then held over the person's mouth or nose for inhalation.
Sniffing – This involves inhaling the fumes directly from the container.
Huffing – This method involves soaking a rag with the inhalant and holding it to the face for inhalation
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What does the school's warning say?
In a letter addressed to parents and carers, Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen, in Bridgend, has said: 'We are reaching out to raise urgent awareness about a disturbing trend currently circulating among teenagers on social media, particularly TikTok, known as 'chroming."
'This emerging craze has already led to serious health consequences for some young people and in some tragic cases, loss of life. We believe it's vital for parents and carers of secondary school students to be fully informed.'
It adds: 'It is particularly dangerous because it can be done relatively quickly using products that are easily accessible in most homes.
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'Young people may not fully understand the severity of the risks, especially when they see others engaging in the activity online without apparent consequences.'
The school also said that it strongly encourages cares to speak directly to their ward about the issue and help them make safe and informed decisions.