The Department of Basic Education has expressed serious concern after a viral video showing learners in school uniform inhaling powder from a fire extinguisher.
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The Department of Basic Education has expressed serious concern over video circulating on social media showing learners in school uniform inhaling powder from a fire extinguisher.
This comes after a widely shared clip appears to show a group of pupils inside a classroom engaging in the act.
However, it remains unclear which school the learners attend.
The trend, known as “chuffing”, involves inhaling chemical substances and has been strongly condemned by the department.
“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,” said departmental spokesperson Terence Khala.
Khala emphasised that schools are meant to be safe environments dedicated to learning and the development of children.
“Any activity that endangers the lives and wellbeing of learners undermines this responsibility and will not be tolerated,” he said.
The department has called on parents and guardians to remain vigilant and to actively engage with their children about the dangers of substance abuse and harmful social media trends.
“Parents should monitor behavioural changes, unusual objects brought home, or signs that learners may be participating in risky activities,” Khala said.
He also urged schools to reinforce and strictly enforce safety protocols. These 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; and working closely with school governing bodies, parents and local authorities to prevent such incidents.
Provincial education departments have also been encouraged to intensify awareness campaigns on the dangers of substance abuse and other harmful trends affecting learners.
Meanwhile, the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) has issued a warning to parents about the dangerous 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.
It stressed that fire extinguishers are safety devices and are not intended for human inhalation or consumption.
The EMS urged parents to educate their children about the risks, while schools are encouraged to invite the City of Johannesburg EMS Public Education Unit to conduct fire safety programmes.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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