Kids don’t always understand the dangers of trends they see online, which can sometimes be deadly.
One family is facing a heartbreaking tragedy because of this. They want to warn others to prevent it from happening again.
An 11-year-old boy, Tommie-Lee Billington from Lancaster, England, died after trying a dangerous trend on social media. His family is now urging parents to talk to their children about these dangers.
This tragedy follows the deaths of two teenage girls who also lost their lives due to the same challenge on TikTok, according to The Sun.
It all began when 11-year-old Tommie was at a friend’s house for a sleepover on Saturday. The boys saw a challenge on TikTok and decided to try it.
The challenge involves inhaling dangerous gases or solvents to get high. These can include things like dry shampoo, spray deodorant, and glue.
After Tommie and his friend tried the trend, Tommie’s heart stopped immediately. According to medical staff, he died instantly. Now, his family is mourning the tragic loss of their 11-year-old boy.
His mother, Sherry, has urged other parents to talk to their children and stop their children from using TikTok. She took her plea to Facebook, writing, “This cost my son his life from trying something other kids are doing. Please talk to your children about the consequences of this. It is beyond me why anyone would even try this! It’s so dangerous!”
“I have never felt pain like this. My whirlwind. I just love you so much mate. My baby boy. You will forever be in my heart. I will make sure to the best of my ability that your name and your beautiful face will become the reason that other children’s lives will be saved and other families don’t have to suffer this deep, deep hurt,” she writes on her Facebook page.
Rest in peace, Tommie. All our thoughts are with the family in this difficult time. Now, let’s work together to spread this incredibly important message so that no other children try this life-threatening trend!
