New education resources issued to schools to warn of the dangers of chroming and inhalant abuse

Victorian government schools have ramped up education efforts to prevent another chroming tragedy after the death of a 13-year-old girl in Lilydale.

Victorian government schools have ramped up their education efforts to prevent another chroming tragedy in the wake of the death of 13-year-old Esra Haynes.

The Herald Sun can reveal the Department of Education last week sent out updated drug education resources to all government schools to provide students with a clear understanding of the dangers associated with chroming and inhalant abuse.

The updated resources include online modules and learning activities related to legal and illicit drugs including inhalants, focusing on good decision-making and harm minimisation strategies.

Esra died after chroming. Picture: 9 News

The teen attended Lilydale High School.

It comes after Lilydale High School student Esra Haynes suffered a cardiac arrest from chroming and died last month.

It prompted Premier Daniel Andrews to say he would consider launching an education campaign in Victorian schools in the wake of her death.

“I’ve got kids not much older. It’s every parent’s nightmare,” the Premier said last month.

Esra’s father Paul Haynes told the Herald Sun it was his “life’s mission” to raise awareness about the dangers of chroming.

“I want to help other children not fall into the silly trap of doing this silly thing,” he said.

Mr Haynes said he welcomed the Department’s move to ramp up education efforts.

“It’s one small step in the direction we as parents feel is a topic that needs more national attention,” he said.

Esra with her older siblings Imogen, Seth and Charlie Haynes. Picture: 10 News

“It will hopefully open the eyes of some children who are mildly affected, but I’m still concerned that some of the most vulnerable children will fall through the cracks,” he said.

“Community safety is a big part of the range of issues I will be fighting for.”

Chroming or “huffing”, involves the inhalation of paint, solvents, petrol, aerosols and other chemicals. It can produce a short-term “high” by slowing down messages between the body and brain.

But the practice can also cause chest pain and an irregular heartbeat, even stopping the heart, while long-term it can lead to brain, liver and kidney damage.

Teens are being warned about chroming.

Efforts to stop chroming are being increased.

The Herald Sun has been told the dangers of inhalants have always been part of drug programs in government schools, but the most recent update sent out was to ramp up its education efforts and awareness on the issue.

Jessica Werner, whose son Phoenix, 14, died after inhaling deodorant with friends at a Norlane house in 2016, also called for more education in schools on the issue and tighter laws on the sale of aerosols.

“Education of the dangers of chroming should be at the forefront in schools,” Ms Werner said.

Youth Support and Advocacy Service chief executive Andrew Bruun said it was positive to see the state government shift its attention to updating alcohol and other drugs education material.

“Education needs to be linked to early intervention. It should be focussed on teaching young people how to identify when either themselves, or their friends, have a problem and knowing where to get help when they need it,” Mr Bruun said.

“YSAS has highly effective evidence-based early intervention programs that support parents and teachers to access early intention services and advice that will be canvassed with the Education Minister in hope of providing a more consistent statewide standard for drug education that works for young people and students.”

Some Woolworths house their aerosol deodorants in locked cabinets. Picture: Liam Kidston

VicSRC chief executive Julia Baron said any investment in education was always a “positive move”.

“We think it’s really important that the government works with students to understand what they want from the education related to the things they’re learning,” Ms Baron said.

A state government spokesman said drugs and alcohol had long posed a threat to young Victorians.

“That’s why the Department works with partners including Life Education Victoria to deliver drug education programs in schools which help develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to make healthy and safe choices,” he said.