Could a Social Media Trend Have Led to the Tragic Death of a 13-Year-Old Girl?

The tragic case of Tiegan Jarman, a 13-year-old girl who died while participating in the concerning social media trend known as chroming, has sparked a renewed call for education on the dangers of solvent abuse in schools. Her mother, Sonia Hopkin, is advocating for mandatory lessons to help prevent further tragedies linked to this hazardous behaviour.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Following the death of Tiegan Jarman on 6 March 2023 in Thurmaston, Leicestershire, her mother has initiated a petition urging for educational reforms regarding solvent abuse. The petition seeks to mandate lessons on this topic in schools, highlighting the urgent need to address the risks associated with harmful online trends. Reports indicate that Tiegan was found unresponsive in her bedroom after allegedly engaging in chroming, a dangerous activity involving the inhalation of toxic fumes, which she had seen promoted on TikTok.

Key takeaways

• 13-year-old Tiegan Jarman died from suspected solvent abuse after engaging in a social media trend.
• Her mother, Sonia Hopkin, is campaigning for schools to teach the dangers of solvent abuse.
• The petition also calls for improved labelling on products to warn about the risks of misuse.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief timeline of events surrounding this tragic incident:

• 6 March 2023: Tiegan Jarman was discovered unresponsive in her bedroom.
• March 2023: The news of Tiegan's death and details about the online trend began to surface.
• October 2023: Sonia Hopkin launches a petition calling for education on solvent abuse in schools.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent push for educational reform, spearheaded by Tiegan's mother, has gained traction, with increasing public support for her petition. The call to action includes a proposal for product manufacturers to enhance warning labels on solvent-containing products.

What was already established

Chroming has been recognised as a dangerous trend, with a history of incidents linked to solvent abuse. TikTok has acknowledged the presence of such content on its platform but maintains that it monitors and removes harmful videos in line with its community guidelines. The British Aerosol Manufacturers' Association has stated that warnings are already present on product packaging, indicating a proactive approach to consumer safety.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The tragic circumstances surrounding Tiegan’s death may prompt increased awareness of the risks associated with household products, particularly solvents. Families may become more vigilant about monitoring their children's online activities and educating them about the potential dangers of following viral trends.

Businesses and jobs

Companies producing aerosol products may face pressure to revise their labelling and marketing strategies to ensure that consumers are adequately informed about the dangers of misuse. This could lead to changes in packaging design and safety messaging, ultimately affecting production processes.

Policy and regulation

There may be a shift in educational policy to include topics related to solvent abuse and online safety within the school curriculum. This could involve consultations and discussions among education authorities, health organisations, and community leaders to develop effective teaching materials and strategies.

Numbers that matter

• 13: Age of Tiegan Jarman at the time of her death.
• 6 March 2023: Date of Tiegan's tragic passing.
• 2026: Year when the British Aerosol Manufacturers' Association plans to introduce enhanced warning messages on product packaging.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Chroming: A slang term for the inhalation of volatile substances, often from aerosol cans, to achieve a high.
• Solvent abuse: The intentional inhalation of solvents or gases for recreational purposes, which can lead to serious health risks, including death.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate aftermath of Tiegan's death, schools may begin discussions about integrating education on solvent abuse into their health curricula. Parents are encouraged to engage in open conversations with their children about the dangers of solvent misuse and online trends.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next several months, as the petition gains momentum, we may see policy discussions among educational authorities about formalising lessons on solvent abuse and internet safety. Collaboration with healthcare professionals could also emerge to develop resources for teachers and parents.

Signals to watch

• Updates on the petition's progress and any government response.
• Changes in educational policy regarding substance abuse awareness in schools.
• Announcements from manufacturers about updated product labelling and warnings.

Practical guidance

Do

• Engage in discussions with children about the dangers of solvent abuse and the impact of social media trends.
• Advocate for educational reforms by supporting petitions or initiatives that promote awareness of substance misuse.
• Monitor children’s online activities and encourage critical thinking about the content they consume.

Don’t

• Ignore signs of risky behaviour in children, such as sudden changes in mood or secrecy regarding online activities.
• Assume that children understand the dangers of solvent abuse without having direct conversations about it.
• Dismiss the impact of social media trends on children’s behaviour and decisions.

Checklist

• Have you talked to your child about the risks of solvent abuse?
• Are you aware of the social media trends your child is following?
• Have you checked the packaging of household products for safety warnings?
• Are you involved in your child’s online activity and social media use?
• Have you considered supporting campaigns for educational reform on substance abuse awareness?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the call for educational reforms is a significant step forward, there are uncertainties regarding the implementation of these changes. The response from schools and policymakers will be crucial in determining how effectively this issue is addressed. Additionally, the effectiveness of new warning messages on product packaging and their influence on consumer behaviour remains to be seen. Ongoing discussions about internet safety, especially concerning the role of platforms like TikTok in regulating harmful content, will also be vital in shaping future actions.

Bottom line

The heartbreaking case of Tiegan Jarman serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of solvent abuse, particularly when influenced by social media trends. As her mother advocates for educational reforms, it is essential for parents, educators, and policymakers to work together to ensure that children receive the knowledge they need to make safe choices. Raising awareness about these issues can help prevent future tragedies and foster a safer environment for young people.

FAQs

What is chroming?

Chroming is the act of inhaling toxic fumes from aerosol products to achieve a high, which poses serious health risks including potential death.

What is being done to prevent solvent abuse in schools?

There is a petition calling for mandatory lessons about solvent abuse in schools to educate children on the dangers and risks associated with this behaviour.

How can parents help their children avoid solvent abuse?

Parents can engage in open conversations about the dangers of solvent misuse and monitor their children's online activities to ensure they are not influenced by harmful trends.