The tragic death of an 11-year-old boy, Tommie-lee Gracie Billington, during a sleepover has shaken his family and brought to light a dangerous challenge circulating online. Tommie-lee was found unresponsive by paramedics at a friend’s house on Greenset Close, Lancaster, on Saturday, March 2. His family suspects that he fell victim to a perilous trend propagated through social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where participants inhale toxic fumes in what is known as the “chroming” challenge.
According to Tommie-lee’s grandmother, Tina Burns, the young boy and his friend experimented with this hazardous activity during the sleepover, resulting in his sudden and tragic demise. Tina, a teaching assistant, is now advocating for stricter regulations regarding children’s access to social media, particularly targeting TikTok, and urging for a ban on its use by children under 16 years old.
Chroming, a term that predates TikTok’s introduction to the UK in 2018, refers to the act of inhaling toxic substances to induce a high. Despite efforts by social media platforms to block related content, the trend persists, posing significant risks to unsuspecting participants like Tommie-lee.
In the wake of this heartbreaking incident, Tina has been vocal about the need for increased awareness among parents regarding the dangers lurking on social media platforms. She has received messages from numerous parents expressing gratitude for her efforts to raise awareness and emphasizing the importance of monitoring children’s online activities closely.
Tina’s advocacy extends beyond her immediate circle, as she has also engaged with the school where she works to disseminate information about the dangers of online challenges to other educational institutions in the area. Her goal is to prevent similar tragedies from befalling other families and to ensure that children are safeguarded from harmful online influences.
Describing her grandson as having a “heart of gold,” Tina fondly remembers Tommie-lee as a bright and energetic child who lit up every room he entered. His untimely death has left the family devastated, underscoring the urgency of addressing the underlying issues contributing to such tragedies.
Chroming involves inhaling fumes from various sources, including aerosol cans, spray deodorants, or paint containers, to achieve a temporary high. However, the practice is extremely perilous, leading to a range of adverse effects such as dizziness, hallucinations, vomiting, heart attacks, and even permanent damage to vital organs like the brain, liver, and kidneys.
The authorities have launched an investigation into Tommie-lee’s death, treating it as unexplained pending further inquiries. Lancashire Police have urged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward, while offering their condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time.
The tragic loss of Tommie-lee serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by irresponsible online challenges and the need for concerted efforts to protect children from harmful influences in the digital age. It is incumbent upon parents, educators, and policymakers to work together to safeguard the well-being of young people and ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge and resilience to navigate the complexities of the online world safely.