Pretoria, South Africa – A new challenge looms for parents after the Department of Basic Education (DBE) expressed serious concern over a viral video circulating on social media, showing learners in school uniform inhaling powder from a fire extinguisher.
The disturbing video clip appears to depict a group of pupils inside a classroom engaging in the act, known as “chuffing.” The location of the school remains unclear.
The trend, which involves inhaling chemical substances, has been strongly condemned by the department due to the serious health risks involved.
Departmental spokesperson Terence Khala stated: “The department wishes to condemn this conduct and warns that inhaling chemical substances in this manner poses serious and potentially fatal health risks, including brain damage, respiratory failure, and sudden death.”
Khala emphasized that schools are meant to be safe environments dedicated to learning and the development of children.
He added: “Any activity that endangers the lives and well-being of learners undermines this responsibility and will not be tolerated.”
The department has issued a call to action for parents and guardians, urging them to remain vigilant and actively engage with their children about the dangers of substance abuse and harmful social media trends.
Khala said: “Parents should monitor behavioural changes, unusual objects brought home, or signs that learners may be participating in risky activities.”
The DBE has also urged schools to reinforce and strictly enforce safety protocols to prevent future incidents. These measures include:
- Conducting random inspections where necessary, in line with school policies and regulations.
- Monitoring items brought onto school premises.
- Strengthening life orientation education on substance abuse, peer pressure, and risky behaviour.
- Ensuring educators and school management intervene swiftly when dangerous behaviour is detected.
- Working closely with school governing bodies, parents, and local authorities to prevent such incidents.
Provincial education departments have been encouraged to intensify awareness campaigns on the dangers of substance abuse and other harmful trends affecting learners.
Meanwhile, Emergency Management Services (EMS) has issued a stark warning to parents about the potentially deadly consequences of the “chuffing” trend.
“Smoking or deliberately inhaling the contents of a fire extinguisher is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory distress, seizures and potentially death,” EMS said in a statement, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and awareness. The incident underscores the challenges schools and families face in navigating the influence of social media on young people's behavior.
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