Have you ever wondered how far the search for popularity on social media can go? The phenomenon of chroming, which is sweeping TikTok, shows us the darker and more dangerous side of this research. Millions of teenagers are risking their health and their lives to participate in a “challenge” that consists of inhaling common toxic substances.
What are the roots of this behavior? And what can we do to protect our youth from this dangerous trend?
The alarming spread of chroming
Il chroming has become a worrying trend among young people, fueled by the virality of TikTok. One recent study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics national conference analyzed 109 chroming-related videos on the platform, which have accumulated over 25 million views. Contents promote the inhalation of common substances such as permanent markers, spray cans, nail polish, and paint thinners.
La Dr. Keerthi Krishna, research assistant at the Cohen's Children's Medical Center of New York, expressed great concern:
What is particularly alarming about chroming is the use of everyday household objects that are easily accessible to adolescents. The hidden nature of these objects makes it more difficult for parents and teachers to detect the behavior, significantly increasing the risk of repeated use and addiction among adolescents.
The dangers hidden behind the screen
Inhalant use can cause long-term brain damage and even death. Despite the risks, more than half of the videos analyzed alluded to addiction, normalizing extremely dangerous behavior.
TikTok tried to address the problem by banning search terms like “chroming challenge,” but that’s not enough: Social media platforms should do more to prevent the spread of this harmful content.
A community approach
The phenomenon of chroming reminds us once again of the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive in the face of new challenges that the digital age poses to the health and well-being of young people. Only through a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach can we hope to effectively protect the next generation from these hidden dangers.
What do you think can be done locally to counteract this trend? If you have any experiences or suggestions to share, as always we are here.