Dangers of the "Choking Game"

It may sound like a game, but the so-called "choking game" is a dangerous activity among children. The purpose of the game is to get high by temporarily shutting off blood flow to the brain. Older children or young adults perform this by choking each other. Sometimes, they make use of a noose to choke themselves. Unfortunately, the game can go too far and children can suffer permanent damage to the brain or it may even lead to death.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 82 American children and young adults died as a result of playing the game since 1995. Most of the children who died from the "choking game" were 11-16 year old males. Most of these deaths occurred in children playing the game alone. The CDC, however, points out that the reported deaths are not limited to one area alone but are occurring all over the United States.

Also called pass-out game, fainting game, flat liner and even space monkey, the choking game is no laughing matter. This dangerous activity can cause someone participating in the game to become unconsciousness in a matter of seconds. Continuous strangulation such as in hanging himself or herself can lead to failure of brain activity and even death.

Other dangers of the choking game are concussions or fractures due to falls because of passing out, coma, seizures and hemorrhages of the eye.

Signs that parents should look for when their child seem to be participating in the game include unexplained marks on the neck, bloodshot eyes, wearing of high-necked shirts-even in a hot environment and disorientation after spending time alone. Ropes, ties, belts or scarves tied to a doorknob or bedroom furniture should warn the parent or parents that the child might be engaging in the so called game.

As of this writing, there is no research available on the best strategies to prevent the choking game. However, there are things that parents and educators can do to address this dangerous activity.

Parents should be aware of the warning signs and the different names given to the choking game in case they hear their children talking about it. Educators should also be encouraged to know these choking game alternate terms and the warning signs associated with it. Parents and educators are encouraged to talk to their children or students about the dangers of the choking game.

Source:

The Choking Game: Risky Youth Behavior (February 2008). Retrieved on February 15, 2010 from http://www.cdc.gov/Features/ChokingGame/