Parent Alert: The Deadly “Choking Game”!

Attention Parents – As the City’s Safety Educator I’ve become aware of yet another growing trend among youth that has resulted in deadly consequences. It’s often called “The Choking Game”, although according to a web site dedicated to stopping this so-called “game”
visit www.stop-the-choking-game.com it’s also known as Space Monkey, Fainting, Pass Out Game, Black Out Game, American Dream, Flatliner, Space Cowboy, Knock Out, Gasp, Rising Sun, Airplaning, Hawaiian High, Fainting Game. And there may be other names as well. But, no matter what it’s called “it’s not a game” and it’s killing our children! Please take a moment to read the following information so your aware before it’s too late.

First “what is the Choking Game?”

The Choking Game achieves a brief high or euphoric state by stopping the flow of oxygen containing blood to the brain. Sometimes children choke each other until the person being choked passes out. The pressure on the arteries is then released and blood flow to the brain resumes causing a “rush” as consciousness returns. Playing this game in any form causes the permanent and cumulative death of large numbers of brain cells. The variation in blood pressure may also cause strokes, seizures, and retinal damage..

The danger becomes even greater when a ligature is used and the activity is performed by a lone child. If the child loses consciousness and there is no one there to IMMEDIATELY release the pressure, he is unable to help himself. The child will suffer brain damage and death certainly after three minutes.

What are the Symptoms of this Activity?

There is of course no “test” for this. It is chemically undetectable, however, there are some signs, which raise “red flags”:

1. Inexplicable marks or bruises on the throat
2. Frequent severe headaches
3. Redness of the eyes
4. Belts, leashes, ropes, shoelaces tied in strange knots or found in unusual locations.
5. Unexplained cuts or bruises from falling
6. Disorientation after spending time alone
7. Locked bedroom doors

Note: Not all of these signs may be present.

If I think my child may be doing this, what can I Do?

Supervise the child very closely.
Dispose of items that could be employed for this purpose.
Warn your child about this activity. They often don’t know that this activity can kill them or leave them brain damaged.
Alert school officials so that they can monitor your child.
Often other students may also be participating.
Consider professional counseling and support for your child and your family.
Check that siblings are not involved in this activity.
Consider alerting your child’s friend’s parents.

How widespread is this activity?

Deaths have occurred from this activity nationwide, and in other countries around the world. There are links to articles from some of these countries on the Links Page of www.stop-the-choking-game.com. There are, no doubt, more and the list of dead children seems to grow each day.