In recent news, a 13-year-old Australian girl, Esra Haynes, was killed due to a social media challenge named “chroming.” This dangerous trend has gained more popularity on the internet over the last month. It is a very dangerous trend that everybody should stay away from. In this article, we will discuss the social media chroming challenge on TikTok in more detail.
What is Chroming?
According to The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, ‘Chroming’ is a general term used to describe the recreational inhalation of volatile substances or solvents as drugs.
Dr. Johnson-Arbor explains that chroming can manifest in various ways:
- Sniffing: Inhaling vapors directly from a container, such as a nail polish remover bottle.
- Bagging: Inhaling vapors, like air freshener spray, directly from a plastic or paper bag.
- Huffing: Inhaling gasoline, lighter fluid, or other vapors absorbed into the fabric.
Social Media Chroming Challenge on TikTok
According to The Times, American youth had easy access to these practices online in 2021. Users of inhalants shared videos on TikTok under the name “Whiptok,” a play on the word “whippit,” which garnered over 412.6 million views.
The trend has also gained traction among some celebrities. Stephen Gilchrist Glover, also known as Steve-O, disclosed his struggle with drug addiction and expressed concerns about the teens impact of social media in an interview with The New York Times in 2021. He highlighted instances of musicians and friends experimenting with nitrous oxide on Instagram, stating, “It’s more relevant today.”
Actor Drake Bell, aged 36, allegedly appeared in his parked car outside his Los Angeles residence, engaging in what seemed like inhaling from a fully inflated balloon, as reported by TMZ. The publication mentioned the discovery of a canister resembling a nitrous oxide container inside the vehicle.
Siegel blamed social media platforms like TikTok for allowing the trend to grow, saying, “It’s one of the problems I have with social media and the impact it has.”
Inhalation of hazardous compounds such as deodorants, paint, glue, or nitrous gas leads to an immediate state of intoxication. This behavior can severely impair or even jeopardize one’s health and well-being.
Its origins are believed to date back four to five years. This type of behavior is not new. A 2017 report estimated that about 684,000 million adolescents ages 12 to 17 had reported using inhalants in the last year.
The act of inhaling substances like aerosol cans, metallic paints, gas, and solvents seems to be a variation of the long-standing practice of sniffing or huffing various substances. According to The Strait Times, this practice resulted in the tragic deaths of two 16-year-old boys in 2019.
What measures are being taken to reverse the chroming trend on TikTok?
In response to Haynes’s tragic death, the Victoria Education Department in Australia, as reported by FOX News, has pledged to intensify its efforts in educating children about chroming and its fatal consequences.
While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not specifically address chroming, it has focused on addressing substance abuse among teenagers. The CDC is actively involved in surveillance and conducting surveys to examine the risks and contributing factors associated with youth substance abuse. Additionally, the agency is advocating for the implementation of local and state policies aimed at preventing substance abuse.
To tackle the issue, the CDC has also initiated a pilot program called “Teens Linked to Care” in high-risk rural communities, aiming to provide comprehensive support and assistance.
Talk to Your Kids About Chroming
Experts are expressing concern and cautioning parents about a new trend that seems to have emerged on top social media platforms.
Parents should initiate the conversation with an opening statement like, “I want to assure you that you can always approach me with any concerns or questions you may have. If you have been experimenting with chroming or substances, I want you to know that you can confide in me without fear. We can discuss your curiosity or any pressures you may be experiencing. Remember, I am here to listen, support, and help you find healthier ways to cope or have fun.”
If you suspect your child has been involved in chroming and feel the need to be more direct, you could say, “Hey [child’s name], I have noticed some changes in your behavior recently, and I would like to discuss it with you. Your well-being is my utmost concern, and I want you to know that I am here to provide support unconditionally. I have come across something called chroming, and I would like to understand if you have been involved in it. Can we have an open and honest conversation about it?”
