TikTok’s explosive popularity among Bacolod’s youth has introduced a wave of dangerous health trends, putting children at risk of physical harm, psychological trauma, and even life-threatening emergencies. From the “Dry Scooping Challenge” to “Chroming,” these viral stunts are spreading rapidly in Bacolod schools and neighborhoods, fueled by peer pressure and the quest for online clout. This article exposes the most dangerous TikTok trends impacting Bacolod kids, shares real-life cases from local hospitals, and provides actionable steps for parents to safeguard their families.
1. The Dry Scooping Challenge
What It Is: Kids film themselves swallowing raw pre-workout powder (like C4 or Jacked Factory) without water, believing it gives an instant “energy rush.”
Local Impact:
- In March 2024, a 14-year-old student from Bacolod National High School was rushed to Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) with severe heart palpitations and vomiting after dry-scooping pre-workout powder purchased at a local supplement store near SM City Bacolod.
- Risks: High caffeine and beta-alanine content can cause cardiac arrest, seizures, or throat burns.
How to Spot It:
- Unexplained powder residues in backpacks or water bottles.
- Sudden interest in gym supplements or protein powders.
2. The Chroming Trend
What It Is: Inhaling aerosol sprays (like Rexona deodorant or Silka moisturizer) to achieve a hallucinogenic high.
Bacolod Cases:
- Bacolod’s Poison Control Center reported 3 cases in early 2024, including a 12-year-old from Barangay Sum-ag who suffered lung damage after inhaling Bench aerosol deodorant.
- Risks: Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome (SSDS), brain damage, or organ failure.
Parent Red Flags:
- Empty aerosol cans hidden in trash bins.
- Chemical smells in bedrooms or school bags.
3. The 48-Hour Ghost Pepper Challenge
What It Is: Eating ultra-spicy foods like Carolina Reaper peppers or drenching meals in siling labuyo to film exaggerated reactions.
Bacolod Context:
- Vendors at Bacolod Central Market report teens buying siling labuyo for these challenges. A 16-year-old from University of St. La Salle was hospitalized in February 2024 with gastric bleeding after consuming 10 peppers in one sitting.
- Local Twist: Some teens use sukang pinakurat (spiced vinegar) to intensify the burn.
Risks: Esophageal tears, chronic acid reflux, or anaphylactic shock.
4. The NyQuil Chicken Craze
What It Is: Boiling chicken in cough syrup (like Solmux or Bioflu) to create a sedative dish, falsely claimed to “aid sleep.”
Why It’s Trending:
- A 15-year-old from Talisay City was treated at The Doctors’ Hospital for liver toxicity after mimicking this trend using Neozep.
- Risks: Acetaminophen overdose (leading to liver failure) or respiratory depression.
Bacolod Alert: Over-the-counter medications are easily accessible at pharmacies like Mercury Drug and Rose Pharmacy.
5. The Chaos Walking Dare
What It Is: Blindfolding oneself and walking into busy streets (e.g., Lacson Street or Libertad Market) while filming “trust exercises.”
Recent Incident:
- A 15-year-old from ABS Academy fractured her leg in April 2024 after attempting this dare near Bacolod Public Plaza.
- Risks: Fatal accidents, head trauma, or PTSD from near-death experiences.
Why Bacolod Kids Are Vulnerable
- Peer Pressure in Schools: Groups at institutions like St. John’s Institute and Bacolod Trinity Christian School have created “challenge leaderboards,” rewarding risky dares with social media followers.
- Language Barriers: Trends promoted in Hiligaynon or Tagalog slang often bypass English-speaking parents’ monitoring.
- Limited Local Moderation: TikTok’s AI struggles to flag Ilonggo-language challenge videos, allowing harmful content to spread unchecked.
How Bacolod Parents Can Protect Their Kids
- Enable TikTok Parental Controls: Use Family Pairing Mode to block search terms like “challenge” or “hack.”
- Open Non-Judgmental Conversations: Discuss real tragedies, like the 2023 Cebu “Blackout Challenge” death, to emphasize consequences.
- Collaborate with Schools: Advocate for workshops like Bacolod City’s “Safe Social Media” seminars at STI West Negros University.
- Promote Local Alternatives: Encourage participation in MassKara Festival dance challenges or Negros food content to redirect creativity safely.
Bacolod Resources for Affected Families
- CLMMRH Mental Health Unit: Free counseling for kids addicted to viral trends (Call (034) 433-8411).
- Bacolod Anti-Cybercrime Unit: Report dangerous TikTok accounts at (034) 434-4098.
- Local Support Groups: Join “Bacolod Digital Parents” on Facebook for real-time trend alerts and advice.
Conclusion
While TikTok offers a platform for Bacolod’s youth to showcase creativity and culture, its darker side demands vigilance. By staying informed, fostering open communication, and leveraging local resources, parents can protect their children from irreversible harm—while still embracing the positive aspects of social media.
