Family wants TikTok “taken down” after son dies from viral ‘chroming’ challenge

An eleven-year-old boy has died after attempting the viral ‘chroming’ challenge seen on social platforms like TikTok, which has taken the life of several other children and teens.

TikTok is known for spawning viral challenges and trends — but some of these fads can be deadly.

Over the years, several children have died after attempting some of these challenges, such as the ‘blackout’ challenge that claimed the lives of a 10-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy in 2022.

Now, yet another viral social media trend has taken a young life, sparking outrage among netizens who are urging companies to take action.

Unsplash.com: Eyestetix Studio

11-year-old boy dies after attempting viral “chroming” TikTok challenge

11-year-old Tommie-lee Gracie Billington died on Saturday, March 2, after allegedly taking part in a popular social media trend called “chroming.”

“Chroming” refers to the act of inhaling aerosol, spray paint, or other toxic fumes to get a ‘high.’ The term originated in Australia as a slang word and has been around for some time, but has gained a newfound popularity thanks to social media platforms.

The boy’s grandmother, Tina Burns, claims he “died instantly” at a sleepover, where he and some friends decided to try out “chroming” after seeing it online.

Facebook

A Lancashire Police policeman claimed that Billington was found unresponsive at the scene in Greenset Close, Lancaster. The child was later taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Now, the boy’s family is hoping to raise awareness about these dangerous social media challenges in hopes to reduce more fatalities.

“Both our families are utterly devastated, but we all want the same thing,” Burns said in a statement to the Lancashire Post. “We don’t want any other children to follow TikTok or be on social media.”

“In fact, we want to get TikTok taken down, and no children to be allowed on any social media under 16 years of age. This is breaking us all, but we want to help save other children’s lives and give families awareness to keep their children safe.”