The "Choking Game" or "Pass Out Game"

2007-10-10T17:30:00.002-05:00

This activity is not a Game! It's a traditional activity passed on for generations through whispers of typically 9-14 year old children on playgrounds, at school, camp, and from friends. The Choking Game is played in both in groups and by a single child. The object of the 'game' is asphyxiation, as in, to apply pressure to restrict oxygen and/or blood flow to the brain of the victim therefore creating a desired 'floaty', 'tingling', 'high' sensation. The 'high' are the cells of the brain seizing and beginning the process of permanent cell death. When the victim becomes unconscious, the pressure is released and the secondary 'high' of the oxygen/blood rushing to the brain is achieved. If the victim is alone - upon unconsciousness there is no one to release the pressure and the victims own body weight continues to tighten the ligature usually resulting in death.

'Typical' Profile

Unlike other risk-taking behaviors, self-choking often occurs among well-adjusted, high achieving students looking to have a sensational experience. 9 -16 is the most common age and it is predominantly male participants. Although younger and older adolescents along with females are involved.

What's the Attraction?

A brief sense of euphoria
An altered state of consciousness
Peer Pressure of a dare or game of chicken
Enhanced erotic feelings
Entertainment peers lose consciouness/behave erratically

Similar experiences

Hanging upside down
Pressing arms against immovable barriers
Holding your breath
Breathing rapidly
Hang gliding
Parachuting
The rush of doing something on the edge

What are the results?

Bruises/concussions
Broken bones
Seizures
Brain Damage
Retinal hemorrhaging
Stroke
Death

Where do kids learn it?

Friends / Neighbors
Siblings
The Internet
At School
Playgrounds

If a youth is participating

Increase supervision- be aware of your child’s activities and whereabouts
Remove any paraphernalia that could be used as a ligature.
Alert school personnel. If one student is involved, there are probably others
Alert the parents of your children’s friends.
Consult with a physician to address any health needs that have resulted
If an older teen is involved, younger children in the same family may be at risk for participating in this activity

What is the best prevention?

Talk about the dangers - They know about the game! Adolescents feel it's 'just passing out'. It's free, accessible and not a drug or illegal making the temptation for a quick thrill tempting.Tell them that EVERY time they are risking DEATH -either their brain cells or themselves.

Alert: Parents

You are the first line of defense in protecting your child from playing the Choking Game. Learn the warning signs, know the many slang names that might be over heard within a teens conversation. Check your child's computer for websites containing "Pass Out" or "Choking Game". Also look for videos viewed or uploaded by your child from video sharing sites like MySpace or YouTube.

Peruvian Net against Child Pornography

The "Choking Game" or "Pass Out Game"