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Parents Beware: The Choking Game Is A Deadly Asphyxiation Game Children Play
Are you aware of the game?
Parents beware of a game children play called the choking game. In this game children literally cut off the oxygen to the brain. They choke themselves or their friends using a variety of implements from belts, ropes, their bare hands or even doing a move called rear naked choke. Kids do this for the euphoria that accompanies passing out. The “high” that they experience as many kids would say is safer than taking drugs. Unfortunately they are grossly mistaken.
According to a recent study, as much as 6% of adolescents have participated in this deadly game. Moreover, a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that one-third of physicians are not familiar with this game. Furthermore, 85% (or even more) of parents do not know that such a game exists.
The choking game comes with other names like “knock out” game, “space monkey”, “pass out” game and “5 minutes in heaven” game. All it takes is 80% blockage of your blood supply to the brain to knock you off. Depriving your brain of oxygen can lead to serious health hazards. It can lead to brain damage, seizures and secondary injuries from passing out. Let’s not forget that choking can kill.
Many deaths associated with this game are erroneously labeled as suicides. But it is clear now that many fatalities just to get a momentary high. Approximately 82 probable deaths due to this game have been noted from 1995-2007 alone. The numbers are expected to rise if no action is done immediately.
Are you aware of the Choking Game?
What to do
Educating children and parents about the horrors of this deadly game is a must. But the question now is how? Although there are drives to spread the word, it will help if everyone helps out.
Parents and relatives
- Know what your children are doing
- Adult supervision is a must
- Continuous reminders
- Share information about the choking game with other parents and friends
Teachers/schools
- Educational drives from schools about the game must be implemented
- Teachers must reinforce knowledge about the game
- Share information with parents, organizations and groups about the choking game
- Create organizations and associations to help parents and children
Schoolmates and friends
- Report children playing this game – or those thinking of playing it
- Help spread the word about the risks of the game
- Discourage friends from participating in it.
Whether the motivation is the quick high, the thrill of doing something new or peer pressure, the choking game is never a wise choice. Parents and everyone who cares must educate their family and friends about the horrors of this game. It’s easy to say my kids won’t do that. But 85% of parents don’t know about this game.
Now that you know, spread the word!
Comments
- Author
Hello LongTimeMother, I really appreciate your comments. It will definitely help parents communicate better with their children. Moreover, it reinforces trust between child and parent. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Hi jpcmc. The problem I see with parents raising this issue with their children is the potential for introducing their kids to a concept they might not have yet been aware of, and the children then mentioning it to their friends in a context that doesn't pass on the level of danger.
I would suggest any conversation with a child should begin with a focus on how lucky the child is to be intelligent and agile with a fully functioning brain and body ... and then stress that the parent is trusting the child to be smart enough to protect themselves so they can live a long, happy and productive life.
Within this context, it is then possible to mention a range of social behaviours including drug use and choking and other issues that have resulted in physical and mental deterioration - and death. By stressing how bad a person must feel if they have any role at all in the death or lasting disability of a friend, I suspect the warning would be more effective.
Just my thoughts.
- Author
You're so right kate12402. A more active role is needed. There are many facets to this problem that need to be tackled. Like what yo pointed out, peer pressure and bullying are just two. Proper parenting is also another issue that needs to be discussed.
Thanks for sharing the hub.
I agree. I also think though that it has to go beyond being vigilant. Teaching kids about peer pressure, bullying, and the consequences of bad choices is even more important along with providing/finding a place for these kids to go where they know they won't be judged, bullied, or ostracized for their mistakes. Education and prevention are just as important, if not more, as watching and punishing.
I've already told several people about this article, and I wish you well spreading the word. Good luck!
- Author
Hi there kate12402. I know what you mean about doing something stupid while you're still young. This is why parents need to keep a close eye on their children. Schools and other institutions and organizations need to be vigilant as well.
Thank you for your insights on the matter. I hope you can help me spread the word about this dangerous game.
I wish I could say that I was surprised, but I guess I'm not. When I was younger, I knew people who played stupid games that involved hurting or endangering themselves, although I've never seen anything quite so counter-intuitive before. You'd think that kids would automatically shy away from something that's so obviously dangerous. I guess peer pressure is a lot stronger than some of us think.
- Author
Hi munchwaffle. It's a weird and dangerous game. Parents and kids must know its dangers. Help me spread the word about the dangers of the choking game.
- Author
Hi there VendettaVixen. I'm a new dad i and try to learn as much as I can. Moreimportantly I try to share what i know whenever I can. It really shocked me to learn about the choking game and made it a point to inform other people ablut it.
My daughter will turn 1 this May 24 and I'm looking forward to all the fun times we can have as she grows.
I didn't know about this jpcmc. Wow, that's a weird game :-O
Congratulations, JPCMC. From this hub, you seem very sensible and aware of what kids are up to now-a-days. I think you'll do an excellent job of keeping your little guy or girl safe.
I hope you and her/him share plenty of happy moments together. Wishing you all the best in fatherhood.
- Author
Hello VendettaVixen. It's just sad to hear this story. I believe wparents should step in at once when they learn something like the choking game or some other dangrous activities. Parents have to educate kids ASAP. I'm a new dad and I hope I don't make the same mistake. Thanks for dropping by.
- Author
Hello issa, Parents definitely have to be aware of what their children are doing. However, chances are, they can't be with them 24/7.
Thanks for reading and sharing your ideas.
A little kid died from this game a few months ago here in the UK. If I remember correctly, he was only 11.
What I found strange was that the parents knew he was doing it. They were quoted in the newspaper as saying something along the lines of: "We knew (insert name here) had been playing this game, but we thought it was just something silly that kids do for fun. We didn't know it was dangerous."
How do you see your kid strangling himself and not think "wow, that doesn't look like a good idea."?
it is surprising what kids do to have fun. Parents must spend more time with their children. The choking game is definitely dangerous
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