Specialists Alert to Rising Inhalant Practice on TikTok as 'Chroming' Gains Traction
TikTok's popularity seems to be fueling a dangerous trend amongst youngsters: an increase in inhalant use. A recent study, focusing on the viral "chroming" trend, reveals the extent of the issue on the platform. With millions of views, these TikTok videos glamorize and normalize inhalant use, which can have severe health consequences.
The most commonly mentioned inhalants in the analyzed videos were permanent markers, followed by air dusters, nail polish remover, and gasoline. More than half of the videos alluded to addiction, highlighting the potential for repeated use and substance dependence.
alleged that their children were gravely injured or killed by using inhalants after being encouraged to do so as part as a viral “chroming challenge” featured on the platform.
Lead researcher Keerthi Krishna from Cohen's Children's Medical Center in New York warned about the covert nature of these household items, making detection by parents or teachers more challenging. She emphasized the need for parents and pediatricians to stay informed about the dangers of inhalant use.
statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics. “The covert nature of these items means that parents and teachers are less likely to detect the behavior, significantly increasing the risk of repeated usage and addiction among adolescents.”
TikTok initially responded by banning certain search terms related to the "chroming challenge." However, some chroming-related videos still appeared to be accessible, prompting concerns that social media companies should do more to control such content.
Yahoo News were still able to find some chroming-related videos after the ban (when they notified TikTok about this, the videos were removed). The researchers say that social media companies should be doing more to keep this sort of content from spreading further.
Besides TikTok, the popularity of specific inhalant brands, such as nitrous oxide sold by Galaxy Gas, can also contribute to the issue. The company has now halted sales and added warnings on its website regarding misuse, emphasizing the role manufacturers can play in promoting safe use.
its store website.
Addressing this issue requires a collaborative effort. Parents and caregivers must stay informed, and communities should support drug-free lifestyles. Social media platforms should strengthen their policies to prevent the spread of harmful content. Healthcare professionals and counselors can offer advice and assistance if there are suspicions of inhalant use.
- The study on TikTok's "chroming" trend revealed that the future health of young users could be at risk, as the platform is likely contributing to the normalization and glamorization of inhalant use.
- The covert nature of inhalants, such as permanent markers and air dusters, makes it challenging for parents and teachers to detect their use, increasing the likelihood of repeated use and addiction.
- Despite TikTok banning certain search terms related to the "chroming challenge," some chroming-related videos were still accessible, leading to calls for social media companies to do more to control harmful content.
- Addressing the issue of inhalant use on TikTok and other platforms requires a collaborative effort, involving parents, communities, social media companies, healthcare professionals, and counselors.
