Deadly Game to Get "High;" Teens Choking Game

We have heard of teens huffing to get high, smoking pot, drinking and engaging in all sort of risky behavior, but three out of four parents are not aware of the latest teen "fad." It's not Silly Bandz, not even silly, but dangerous, frightening and at times even deadly. What game is it that teens are "playing" that is so dangerous? The choking game or it is sometimes referred to as the choking game.

What is the choking game?

The choking game takes a page out of erotic asphyxiation. In erotic asphyxiation, couples engage in choking, covering mouths and noses to the point of suffocation to accentuate their sexual experience and orgasm. In the choking game as it is most commonly played, teens are taking turns physically choking a friend using their hands around the other teens neck to the point of passing out. When the unconscious teen awakens he or she claims to have had dreams, experience a high or a sense of euphoria. It is not the same thing, but similar in physical attributes.

Teens have also tried to repeat this feeling on their own, using scarves or belts and choked themselves in the privacy of their bedroom or bathroom using closet or shower bars or headboard to beds.

What are the risks associated with the choking or passing out game?

Most of the risks are pretty obvious. In addition to burning brain cells, teens are at risk of death, coma, permanent injury, brain damage and lifelong guilt. Just imagine how you would feel if you were playing this game with a friend and they never recovered from the choke hold you put on them.

Who is playing the choking game?

Teens, tweens and children are playing the choking game. The average age is 9-14 years old but older teens are participating too. Quite often it is also high achieving teens that are most at risk because this is the one "game" that they can play to achieve a "high" that does not go against their goals or promises to avoid drugs, alcohol, sex or to do well in school, or so they think. Many teens have been caught in between classes playing the choking games in the halls. After all, it only takes a minute or two to choke and hold until someone passes out. Unfortunately while they think this game offers no consequences far too many families and teens have found out that it does deadly ones.

What other names is the choking game known by?

The choking game is nothing new. As early as the 18^th century people were participating in this risky behavior. It's not just in the United States but a threat to families around the world and sometimes known as a variety of names including: funky chicken, space monkey, sleeper hold and the blackout, choking or fainting game.

Choking game statistics

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta estimates that at least 82 people died from the activity between 1995 and 2007. But according to the Wisconsin-based campaign group Games Adolescents Shouldn't Play (GASP), as many as 1,000 young people die in the U.S. each year playing some variation of the game." (Time Magazine Jan 18, 2010) However statistics are hard to pinpoint as many health care providers, police officers and parents are unaware of the facts regarding this deadly behavior. Some teens may have died playing this game and mistakenly been labeled a suicide. Most importantly over 92% of the parents whose children died playing this game were unaware that it existed.

How can you know if your child is playing the choking game? Signs and Symptoms

Look for these signs: complaints of severe headaches, bloodshot or red eyes, raspy breath, tongue that is bleeding or scarred, bone fractures, disorientation, markings or bruising on the neck and belts, bags, ties, scarves tied in different places around the house plus an unusual need for privacy. With the rise of YouTube videos and blogs publicizing the "high" that teens can get playing the choking game parents need to be more aware of what their children are doing on the computer and monitor their web activity. Include in your search discussion boards, videos, websites, chats and IM's with information on the choking game or any of the other names stated above.

Did you know about this deadly game? I was lucky, my teen daughter wasn't aware of it until I decided to have a frank discussion with her. Some parents, health care providers and law enforcement officials may not agree with that decision. One health care professional in England states, "There's a fear that if you raise awareness then other people will start to copy it." (Dr. Steve Field, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners in London) In 2009 the medical journal, Pediatrics reported that one third of American doctors had never heard of the choking game and only 2% had discussed it with parents.

Some professionals advocate that the less your child knows the less likely they are to participate in this behavior. However, GASP is a global nonprofit campaign whose mission statement is to "fight this 'game' with the most powerful weapon at their disposal: education. Most people have no idea how dangerous the Choking Game is until it hits close to home-but we can prevent suffering by publicizing the danger in our schools and homes."

What can parents, counselors, and educators do about the choking game?

Be informed and for many parents a frank discussion with your teens regarding this risky behavior is in order just like any other important safety and health discussion you may have. The "Choking Game Report" also offers helpful brochures, tips, and informational materials regarding keeping your children and others safe from a so called game that could end up being a real loser of your teen's life.

Sources and Resources:

Time Magazine

http://www.guidancechannel.com/default.aspx?index=1878&cat=13

http://healthmad.com/children/another-teen-dies-from-popular-choking-game/

Choking Game Brochure

Choking Game Statistics

The Choking Game Tips for Parents

Sample letter to school principal and other community leaders

Letters to Parents from School Officials or Community Leaders