A teenager described as “loving” has tragically passed away after participating in a risky online trend. Tiegan Jarman, a resident of Thurmaston, Leicestershire, was discovered unresponsive in her bedroom on March 6. Despite the efforts of emergency responders to revive her, the 13-year-old was declared deceased at the scene.
According to Tiegan’s family as reported by LeicestershireLive, her untimely demise was linked to a concerning online phenomenon known as chroming, which involves inhaling harmful vapors from everyday household products to experience a temporary high. Her stepfather, Rob Hopkin, expressed uncertainty about whether Tiegan had engaged in chroming previously, as it is difficult to track. He revealed that at the time of the incident, Tiegan had used at least one aerosol can of deodorant.
In a heartfelt tribute, Tiegan’s father, Paul Jarman, described his daughter as affectionate, adventurous, warm, funny, and unique, highlighting her infectious laughter and their cherished moments together. The family is grappling with the overwhelming grief, acknowledging that their lives will never be the same.
The grieving family aims to raise awareness about the perils of social media trends, emphasizing the need for stricter regulation of online platforms. Rob Hopkin underscored the urgency for social media companies to monitor and restrict harmful content that can lead to immediate harm, echoing concerns about the lack of stringent measures in place compared to other regulated content like pornography.
Tiegan, who had three siblings and four step-siblings, left behind a legacy that her sister Alisha is determined to honor. Alisha initiated an online petition on Change.org titled ‘Enforce warnings on solvent products and educate on risks’ to advocate for enhanced warnings on hazardous products and comprehensive education on the dangers of specific social media trends in school curricula.
The petition, endorsed by the family, calls for increased visibility of warnings on solvent products, particularly on aerosol cans, to highlight the risks of inhalation. Furthermore, it seeks to integrate comprehensive education on social media dangers, including but not limited to chroming and the black-out challenge, into school programs as a formal subject to ensure students are informed and protected.
The family’s petition aims to instigate positive changes in regulations and education to safeguard vulnerable individuals, prevent tragedies like Tiegan’s, and promote a safer online environment for all users.