To the attention of parents: a deadly entertainment is spreading among children – “chroming”

In today’s world, where social networks have become an integral part of young people’s lives, dangers often hide behind ordinary trends and videos. Parents may not even suspect that their children, in search of entertainment or attention, are facing deadly risks. One such phenomenon that causes concern is “chroming” or “huffing”, a deadly game that has already claimed more than one life and continues to gain popularity among teenagers. This trend is becoming even more common every day, attracting the attention of millions of users on the network who have no idea of ​​the fatal consequences of such experiments.

We are talking about the dangerous process of inhaling the vapors of toxic household substances. Teenagers, under the influence of viral content widely distributed on social networks, begin to experiment with inhaling fumes from nail polishes, markers, aerosols, solvents and even gasoline. This practice is deadly. At first, inhaling the toxic fumes produces a temporary euphoric feeling that attracts young people looking for an affordable alternative to illegal drugs. In this way, they want to get rid of stress and depression in vina conditions. However, teenagers do not understand that the consequences of such actions can be irreversible. Blows to the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs can lead to serious illness, addiction and even death.

It is important to note that this phenomenon is not new, but it is now experiencing a second wind thanks to social networks, especially platforms like TikTok. Videos that contain the hashtags #huffing or #chroming gain millions of views and attract the attention of teenage audiences in particular. In 2023, 109 TikTok videos were analyzed that had more than 25 million views, and almost 40% of them were created by underage users. The videos most frequently used markers (31%) and aerosol air fresheners (17%), along with other toxic substances such as nail polish, gasoline, and solvents.

The statistics are striking in their seriousness. According to the US Office on Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, in 2023, about 564,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 used inhalants, indicating an increase in this dangerous phenomenon. Teenagers often do not realize that even a single experience of inhaling vapors can have fatal consequences, because such substances very quickly affect the central nervous system.

Researchers warn that “chroming” can quickly become an addiction, and each subsequent attempt leads to more and more serious damage to the body. In addition, in TikTok, according to experts, viral content normalizes such phenomena, making them acceptable among young people. It is important to understand that even a simple video can motivate others to try this dangerous “pleasure” without realizing the deadly risks.

Studies have also shown that about 50% of videos on TikTok had information about the repeated use of inhalants, indicating the development of addiction among young people. Another dangerous trend that is also spreading through TikTok is inhaling nitrous oxide (Galaxy Gas), which also gives a temporary euphoria, but can lead to serious health problems.

It is worth remembering that the danger of such trends is not limited to physical consequences. It also affects the mental state of young people, impairs their understanding of the value of life and makes them more prone to risky behavior. Similar phenomena have already led to suicidal cases among teenagers more than once. For example, at one time in Ukraine, the suicide game “Blue Whale” became popular, where teenagers performed tasks, the last of which called for suicide.

How can parents and society as a whole resist this deadly trend?

First, it is important to be aware of what is happening in the online world and to have open and trusting conversations with children about the dangers of such entertainment.

Second, it is necessary to actively combat the spread of viral content that popularizes dangerous trends by introducing stricter control algorithms on platforms such as TikTok. And finally, it is important to provide psychological support to young people and teach them how to cope with the pressure of social networks without resorting to such dangerous experiments.