Teen Choking Game Can Lead to Death

As a parent the last thing you would ever expect is your teen to die as a result of a game. But that's what's happening today. Teens are going for a game publicized on YouTube that shows actual videos of the game, in schools and churches throughout the United States and Canada. It's called the "good kids game" because many of the teens who participate are those who do drugs or alcohol.

What's the game? In the game, a teen or their friends stop the flow of blood in their carotid arteries by choking or cutting off circulation to the brain. The teen may have a friend use direct pressure on the carotids. Or the teen can use ties, ropes, or any other device to stop the flow of blood to the brain. Without blood flow the person passes out and hopefully comes to without damage or loss of life.

The game is played in homes, schools, and churches across America often for hours at a time.

It's called the choking game or any or a dozen other names such as American Dream, airplaning, black hole, black-out game, California choke, cloud nine, dream game, fainting game, flatlining, funky chicken, gasp game, knock-out game, pass-out game, purple dragon, purple hazing, the scarf game, something dreaming game, space cowboy, space monkey, suffocation roulette, and the tingling game.

Why do kids play the choking game? It seems the experience of passing out and then the rushing feeling when the blood starts flowing again is labeled as a high. Some say it's for the high or feeling they get. Most who play the game are between the ages of 11-16 and are male.

The problem arises when the teen doesn't wake up or ends up strangled because no one was there to untie the rope or cord.

How do you as a parent stop your child from participating in these games? Talk with your teen. You're not going to put the idea in their heads. The choking game is being talked about in school, in church groups and online. Know what videos your teens are watching on YouTube and other video sites.

Look in your teen's room for any belt, rope or strap that seems out of place. If you see such an object ask your teen why it is there and what is it used for. Be aware evasive answers may be hiding your teen's participation in the choking game. Check your teen's neck especially if they start wearing turtlenecks or high collared shirts. The game tends to leave bruising especially on the sides of the neck.

Check if hear thuds or bumps from your teen's room. It could be your teen falling after playing the choking game alone.

If you suspect the choking game is part of your teen's life, don't ignore it. It could mean the difference between your teen being alive or dead.