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!
