Hot on HuffPost Parents:

 

Deadly trend: abusing inhalants

Filed under: Teens, Health & Safety: Babies, Alcohol & Drugs, Day Care & Education, That's Entertainment

It seems that the list of potential dangers to our children keeps growing on a daily basis. I'll admit, this is one issue that I hadn't given any thought to until I picked up the most recent copy of Family Circle magazine. According to them, sniffing common household aerosols is one of the fastest growing trends among young teens. Looking for a quick high or head rush, kids are inhaling toxic fumes of hair sprays, deodorants, room fresheners and the like. The Partnership for a Drug-Free America states that more than 4.5 million kids have tried this, with a high number not believing that it is dangerous or potentially lethal.

Know the terminology. Keep an ear out for these terms, as kids today aren't simply sniffing the products. Many are snorting the products through their nose or mouths, others are "huffing" which is soaking a rag in the toxic spray and then covering their mouths with it. "Bagging" is filling a plastic bag with the fumes and inhaling. Very scary stuff.

They recommend talking to your kids about the dangers of this, without giving too many details - it may sound strange to say that, but you really don't want to give them any ideas or techniques.

ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)

FollowUs

Flickr RSS

TheTalkies

AskAdviceMama

AdviceMama Says:
Start by teaching him that it is safe to do so.