This past week, a former student of mine killed himself playing a deadly "game." He was 12 years old. This "game," commonly known as "The Choking Game" has many names ranging from "The Pass-out Game," "The Fainting Game, "The Tingling Game," and "The Dreaming Game," among others. Parents, teachers and students alike need to become educated about this; they need to understand the severity of it, what signs to look for and that this "game" can be fatal.
According to reports, "The Choking Game" is usually played by students ranging from 10 to 17 years of age. In this "game" the heart and brain are deprived of oxygen. This is done by using belts, ropes, ties, dog leashes, one's own hands, or anything else that can be wrapped around the neck. B lood pressure is reduced thus causing the person to faint. The flow of oxygen back to the brain and lungs is then said to produce a "rush" or a "high" which is what attracts teens; many think that this "high feeling" they are getting is okay because they are not using drugs or alcohol. But what teens do not realize is that not all people who play this "game" achieve that "rush" or "high" - a number of them die.
Playing this "game" has horrendous affects on one's body. Oxygen deprivation can cause:
- brain damage
- cardiac arrest
- seizures
- memory problems
- balance problems
- central nervous system problems
- heart attacks
- strokes
- death
Parents and teachers should recognize the warning signs for this extremely risky behavior. Some signs include:
- markings on the neck
- complaints of headaches
- blood shot eyes
- locked bedroom doors
- disorientation after spending time alone
- angry or hostile behavior.
It is also important for parents to be aware of what is in their teen's bedroom. Parents should be on the lookout for ties, ropes, bags, or other items that could be used for asphyxiation. These may be tied in strange knots and hung on bed posts or doorknobs.
Education, honest discussions and awareness are ways to stop teens from playing this deadly "game." It is important for parents and teachers to talk to students about self-asphyxiation just as they do about drug and alcohol abuse. Doing a simple online search is a good place to begin to get materials and information about "The Choking Game" so that discussions with children can follow. Students need to be told that this is an activity that is risky and fatal.
I am hoping people around the country and especially in my community have become more aware of this "game" due to the death of Evan and will therefore educate children about the dangerousness of it. We would be foolish not to learn from the early death of a fun-loving, adventurous 7 th grader.
Evan, this article is for you, we miss you.
Here are some places to start looking for materials and information.
http://www.connectwithkids.com/tipsheet/2005/235_jun29/choke.html