Heartbroken Family Urges Caution After Boy Dies Amidst ‘Chroming’ Trend

It’s easy to assume that certain dangers are far from your home or your kids. We talk to them about online safety, peer pressure, and even substance abuse, but things change fast, and some threats aren’t the usual suspects.

That’s what makes trends like “chroming” particularly terrifying for parents. It doesn’t look like danger; it often hides things most of us have around the house in plain sight.

Nicky Lowther was just 13 years old when he died after taking part in what’s known as the chroming trend. His mum found him unconscious in his room on 27 June last year. By the time he was taken to the hospital, it was already too late.

Chroming, also called "huffing," involves inhaling fumes from everyday household products like deodorants, metallic spray paint, or nail polish. It’s a way for teens to get a quick high and spreads rapidly through social media.

The problem? It’s perilous and often deadly. These substances are toxic and can cause severe, irreversible damage to the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. In some cases, like Nicky’s, it leads to sudden death.

His aunt Toni, 35, still struggles to make sense of it.

“I’d never heard of chroming before,” she said. “I found out afterwards how common it is. Some kids survive it, but others don’t. And it’s happening more than people realize.”

Nicky’s aunt pointed out that his death was entirely avoidable.

She describes Nicky as sharp-witted, funny, and full of life.

“He had a dark sense of humor. He was a cheeky chappy, always laughing. We were close, and we always did things together as a family.”

The family believes his death was preventable, and that’s the part that hurts the most.

“There’s no safe way to inhale aerosols,” Toni said. “People think because it’s legal and in your cupboard, it can’t be that bad. But that’s exactly the problem.”

After Nicky passed away, 12 empty aerosol cans were found in his room. The exact number he used that day is unknown, but the implications were devastating.

Toni added, “We didn’t even know he was doing it. There were no warning signs. No one expects to have to tell their kid not to inhale deodorant.”Kennedy

"A 13-year-old girl dies after chroming incident "

His mum found him unconscious.

She’s now using her grief to speak out, hoping it might stop even one more family from going through the same heartbreak.

“I would never think I’d need to have a conversation with my daughter about deodorant beyond how to use it on your body,” she said. “But here we are.”

One of the reasons this trend spreads so quickly is how it gets glamorized, or at least normalized, online. Teens are filming themselves taking part and sharing it on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms. “They think it’s funny or cool. But they don’t understand how dangerous it is,” Toni said.

Kennedy

The teen’s aunt pointed out that kids are filming themselves doing the trend for social media.

Since Nicky’s death, his family has started a petition to restrict the sale of aerosols to minors. So far, it’s gained more than 5,000 signatures. They believe that just like with alcohol or cigarettes, these products shouldn’t be freely available to kids.

“Anyone can walk into a shop and buy a can,” Toni said. “That’s insane. Something has to change. We couldn’t save Nicky, but maybe his story can save someone else’s child.”Kennedy

The Risks of 'Chroming'

Dr. Michael Thompson, a child psychologist, emphasizes that the rise of dangerous social media trends like 'chroming' can be attributed to adolescent brain development. Teens are more prone to impulsive behavior due to the still-maturing prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making and risk assessment.

This developmental stage makes them vulnerable to peer influence and risky behaviors, often without understanding the consequences. Parents should engage in open conversations about these trends to help children recognize potential dangers before they experiment.

Awareness and education are vital for preventing tragedies related to risky social media trends. Experts suggest that parents take a proactive approach by discussing the dangers of household items misused for substance abuse, like aerosols.

Dr. Alfie Kohn, an education expert, advocates for fostering open communication rather than fear-based discussions. Creating a safe space for children to express concerns or curiosity can lead to healthier decision-making. He highlights that providing resources and information empowers kids to make informed choices, ultimately reducing the likelihood of engagement in dangerous behaviors.

This isn’t about overreacting or blaming social media. It’s about awareness—about talking to your kids early, even when the topic seems strange or uncomfortable. If a child as smart, funny, and loved as Nicky could fall victim to something like this, anyone could.

There’s no single solution to stopping dangerous trends, but starting the conversation is a good first step. Because sometimes, the smallest talk can make the most significant difference.

Moving Forward: Actionable Steps

In light of this tragic incident, experts agree that proactive education and open communication are crucial in preventing similar occurrences in the future. Parents, educators, and communities must collaborate to create supportive environments that encourage honesty about both the dangers of substance misuse and the allure of risky trends.

As noted by Dr. Dan Kindlon, a child psychologist, empowering children with knowledge about their own bodies and the effects of substances can significantly alter their choices. By fostering resilience and support, families can mitigate the risks associated with trends like chroming.