The Centers for Disease Control defines “The Choking Game" as “self-strangulation or strangulation by another person with the hands or a noose to achieve a brief euphoric state caused by cerebral hypoxia.” [Unintentional Strangulation Deaths from the "Choking Game" Among Youths Aged 6--19 Years - United States, 1995-2007, CDC, Feb. 2008.] In an attempt to get a quick, cheap “high”, kids are experimenting with this game, unaware that it can have deadly results.
Who Is Playing The Choking Game?
According to the GASP (Games Children Shouldn’t Play) website, most of the kids playing the game are between 9 and 16 years of age. They are usually high-achieving kids who mistakenly believe that the game is a safe alternative to drugs or alcohol. They may not realize that between 250 and 1,000 kids die doing this each year. [GASP website, 2008]
Why Kids Play The Choking Game
Kids may initially start playing “The Choking Game” in a group situation, as a result of peer pressure or a dare. Curious about what it would be like to experience a loss of consciousness or a “blackout”, coupled with the perceived “safety” of playing the game in a group may give kids a false sense of security. Plus, if kids don’t personally know of anyone who has been hurt or killed playing the game, and have seen lots of kids play the game with no ill effects, they may not realize how dangerous the game can be.
Risks of The Choking Game
Cutting off oxygen to the brain, even for short periods, can cause brain damage or death. The “rush” from the game can also become addictive, and kids move from playing it in social situations to playing it alone. This increases the risk of dying: the child may become unconscious before he has a chance to loosen the noose and may inadvertently strangle to death.
The Choking Game Warning Signs
Adults should be on the lookout for off marks on the neck that may indicate items have been tied around the neck, ropes or belts tied to doorknobs or furniture, bloodshot eyes, headaches, and questions about the effects of strangulation.
Preventing The Choking Game
Adults need to speak to kids and teens directly about “The Choking Game” and it’s dangers. Many parents hesitate to do so because they fear that talking about the game will give kids “the idea” to play it. According to the GASP website, “most children already know about the Choking Game, yet very few understand the inevitable danger.” Educational materials can also be downloaded from GASP.
With information and education, tragedies resulting from the Choking Game can be prevented. But more needs to be done to get the word out about what this game is, and its deadly consequences.
