The Hidden Dangers of TikTok Trend "Chroming": What You Need to Know
You may have heard the tragic news this week of the death of Tommie-Lee Gracie Billington, aged 11 from Lancashire. The reports following his death suggest that Tommy had been taking part in a TikTok challenge called ‘Chroming’ with his friends and died suddenly from a cardiac arrest.
Chroming might sound like a harmless game, but it's actually really dangerous. It involves breathing in household items like aerosol sprays, solvents, or other chemicals. People are sharing videos of themselves doing it on TikTok, but it's anything but fun. Breathing in these chemicals can make you feel dizzy, sick, give you headaches, or make you lose your balance. In really bad cases, it can even make you pass out, have seizures, or worse, it can lead to death. These chemicals can also seriously impact your body inside, harming important organs like your brain, lungs, liver, and kidneys, causing long-term problems that can't be fixed.
Not only that, but chroming can mess with your head too. It can also make mental health issues like feeling sad, anxious, or addicted much worse. What might seem like a bit of fun can quickly turn into something really dangerous and hard to stop.
It's so important to realise just how risky chroming is and to say no if anyone tries to get you involved. Feeling like you need to fit in or being curious might make you want to try it, but your health and safety are way more important than trying to impress your friends.
If you or someone you know is struggling with drugs or alcohol, don't wait to ask for help. Talk to someone you trust, like an adult, youth worker, or doctor. There are people out there who can help you get through it and get back to feeling better.
Chroming might seem like a silly trend, but it's no joke. It's not worth risking your life for a few minutes of excitement. If you see anyone talking about or doing chroming, make sure to stay well away and let someone know who can help.
If you're in Wirral and need support or advice about 'Chroming' or any drug and alcohol-related issues, there are services available to help you out. Don't hesitate to reach out.
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Response
If you, or someone you know is having problems with drug and/or alcohol misuse Response can provide help and support. Response offers a wide range of support for young people, aged 13 - 19, including drugs & alcohol, counselling and lifestyle support.
To contact the team call 0151 666 4123 or email response@wirral.gov.uk
The Drop In
The Drop In is open Monday to Friday 2 - 6pm for children and young people aged 11 - 18 and up to 25 for people with SEND to access one to one support on any issues that may be affecting them. From family problems and bullying to worrying and anxiety our team offer comprehensive support aimed at helping young people move forward.
Accessing The Drop In is easy. No appointment is needed so just Drop In!
We are open Monday to Friday 2pm - 6pm in Pilgrim Street Youth Arts Centre in Birkenhead.
Our Address is Pilgrim Street Arts Centre, 1 Pilgrim Street, Birkenhead, CH415EH
Closed for Christmas 25th - 26th December and Monday 1st January
You can also call us on 0808 196 4147
or email: thedropin@wirral.gov.uk
Health Services in Schools Youth Workers
HSIS Youth Workers support young people in Wirral Secondary Schools, Wirral Sixth Form College and Wirral Met College.
Each school/college has a designated HSIS Youth Worker that provides young people with an opportunity to access confidential support on any issues which may be affecting them.
We provide support to young people on a wide range of issues and topics such as: building resilience, reducing risks, healthy relationships, sexual Health (including issuing condoms in some schools) drugs, alcohol, emotional health, Stress and Anxiety.
To find your youth worker visit their page.
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