I was teaching at a middle school recently when a student asked a question that pretty much left me clueless. I was in the midst of discussing sugar and its effects on the human body when I heard someone ask “Mr. Joe! Have you ever heard of Happy Crack?” (OK. What? Huh?). I was uneasy about the question, to say the least. By way of explanation from the aforementioned student, I found out “Happy Crack” is a blend of Kool Aid and sugar mixed into a plastic bag. Sort of like a ‘make your own pixie stick,’ but in bulk. Most kids take a spoonful at a time to get a sugar rush, but I’ve since read accounts that indicate some kids are literally snorting the mixture as well.
I decided to do a little more research on “Happy Crack;” watching YouTube videos and reading website posts and news articles. It is a concerning trend, for sure. I will admit, it’s not like there haven’t been other inappropriate candy combinations over the years. I grew up during the heyday of candy cigarettes. Back then, it was cool to pretend you were smoking. Fortunately for me, my candy cigarette stage did not turn into an actual cigarette addiction.
The huge difference between “Happy Crack” and my candy cigarette, though, is its appearance to cocaine. I recognize that sugar is not cocaine, but children who are emulating the imbibing stage of drug abuse (snorting) hits a little too close to my discomfort meter. And just because it’s not an illegal drug doesn’t mean there is no danger or risk. Sugar is addictive. With peer pressure, children might be swayed into trying “Happy Crack.” This can cause an unrestraint approach to massive amounts of sugar consumption.
I’m sharing this as a warning to parents, teachers and children to let you know this trend is out there. Everyone knows excess sugar can cause weight gain, heart disease, diabetes and dental cavities, among other issues. The effects of sugar can have a lasting impact on young children’s lives.
In case you were wondering what happened after the “Happy Crack” question, there was a “happy” ending (no pun intended). With encouragement from the entire class, the student opened the bag and emptied its contents into the trash. The student who asked the question has since indicated that she has not touched the stuff since. With continued efforts to curb sugar use and addiction in schools, let’s hope trends like “Happy Crack” quickly become passing fads.
