Latest news with #ColegCymunedolYDderwen
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Parents are being warned about a new dangerous craze 'chroming' that is claiming the lives of children
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. 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. 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. Article continues below 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 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. Article continues below '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.
Wales Online
28-05-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Secondary school says it will suspend pupils for using phones
Secondary school says it will suspend pupils for using phones Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen has banned the use of mobile phones and has said anyone violating the policy could face suspension Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen in Bridgend (Image: Google Maps ) A secondary school in Wales has become the latest to implement a 'phone ban' and has warned that pupils might even face a 'fixed term exclusion' if they use a phone or refuse to hand theirs over. Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen in Bridgend announced in a Facebook post that the phone ban will be in place from Monday, June 2, making it a 'mobile and electronic device-free school.' In a post on the school's Facebook page, the school said that the use of phones has resulted in 'learning being disrupted.' It said: 'The headteacher has a duty of care to protect both learners and staff in school. " Stay informed on Bridgend news by signing up to our newsletter here 'Mobile phones are increasingly becoming a huge distraction; this includes leaming being disrupted, an increase in online bullying via social media platforms and taking and sharing of images and videos without permission which is illegal.' The secondary school added that it made the decision to ban phone use after receiving support from the local authority, which is Bridgend County Borough Council. As per the ban, the use of mobile phones will be prohibited throughout the school day and pupils will be required to put their phones on silent and keep them in their school bags as soon as they enter the school gates. It also prohibits pupils from using their phones anywhere on the school grounds. If any parent or guardian wishes to contact their child, they will have to do so via the school's reception. The school has also listed out 'consequences' for students if they are in violation of the ban. It said: 'Any mobile phone related incident including refusal to hand in will result in a fixed term exclusion. 'Parents will be contacted and will collect their child's phone from reception.' According to the website, a suspension or a 'fixed term exclusion' is when a child is temporarily removed from the school. It adds that a pupil can only removed from the school for up to 45 school days in one school year, even if they have changed schools. Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen thanked parents and carers for their 'ongoing support.' A council spokesperson said: 'Local schools and their governing bodies are free to determine their own individual policies over whether mobile phones can be used during school hours or on school premises.' Article continues below Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen did not respond to a request for a comment.
