I reported on the TODAY show a disturbing and potentially lethal kid activity called the Choking Game also known as the Pass Out Game, Space Monkey and Black Out. The basic game rule is “asphyxiation” or for a child to get a desired ‘floaty’, ‘tingling’ or ‘high’ sensation achieved by shutting off oxygen/blood to the brain. Techniques to achieve that high include pressing the thumb or hand tightly on the neck; tying a rope, necktie, belt around the neck; hyperventilating by holding the breath “hard”; or putting a plastic bag over the head until you become unconscious. A secondary ‘high’ is achieved when pressure is released and oxygen /blood returns to the brain.

Less than a week after I appeared on  TODAY a reporter from the Orlando Sentinel called. A twelve year old boy had died that week in Florida. He was found with a karate belt around his neck by his father. The reporter said he had seen my segment and every warning sign I described fit this case. The boy had been playing this game alone. His father was only 10 yards from his son in another room and didn’t realize what was happening. The dad was also a paramedic who could not save his child.

REALITY CHECK: Facts show that seventy percent of the time kids die from the choking game they do so in their own bedrooms. And sixty percent of the time a parent is in the home. 

So parents, it’s time to get educated. You need to know the signs and how to protect your child. I’ll give you that information but please pass them on to other parents. Doing so could very well save a child’s life. Here is what you need to know about this lethal game:

The Choking Game Rules 

The “Choking game” can be “played” as a dare game in a group (popular at slumber parties) in which children choke each other or another child gives a hard bear hug from behind or applies pressure under the child’s heart (usually with the head of the other participant) until the victim passes out. Many kids say they actually become addicted to the feeling repeating the thrill again and again. But the “game” has lethal consequences. Brain damage or permanent neurological disabilities due to the lack of oxygen is a possibility. 

The Choking Game is not new, but seems to be gaining in popularity particularly as a solo venture. It is particularly lethal because the activity has been responsible for a large number of juvenile deaths. As many as 250 to 1,000 young people die in the United States each year playing some variant of the choking game. Tracking the exact number difficult because many cases reported as teen suicides. 

• 87 percent of fatal cases involved a lone participant

• 70 percent of choking game injury or deaths happened in the child’s bedroom

• 60 percent of choking game injury or deaths happened when a parent was home

Typically this “game” involves kids 9-16 year olds and predominantly males (although younger and older adolescents along with females may also be involved).

Please don’t assume that your kid “would never do such a thing.”  We’re seeing that often well-adjusted, high achieving students just looking to have a sensational experience (and assuming that this game is safer than alcohol or drugs) are engaging.

Signs of the Choking Game to Look For In A Child

• Bloodshot eyes
• Changes in attitude (overly aggressive)
• Disorientation or grogginess after being alone
• Frequent often severe headaches
• Inexplicable bruising or red marks around the neck
• Keeping ropes or plastic bags left around, or neckties tied in strange knots or found in unusual places
• Curiosity about asphyxiation (”How would it feel?” Or “What happens if someone….”)

What Parents Can Do To Protect Their Kids from This Lethal Game

Warn your child. Explain that this “game” causes not only slurred speech, gaps of memory, sudden outbursts of anger, but also possible strokes, seizures, retinal damage, brain damage or even death. Be firm and serious in your talks. Most kids have no clue how dangerous this game is or how the brain is effected by a lack of oxygen.

Monitor your child’s bedroom. Do so especially if you notice locked or blocked doors and unusual demands for privacy.

Watch for signs. Blood-shot eyes, marks on the neck, asking about asphyxiation. Don’t assume because your child is well-liked, intelligent, or seems well-adjusted. Some children actually think this approach to “getting high” is safer than alcohol or drugs.

Get savvy. Many kids are doing this activity alone for the high. If the child loses consciousness and there is no one there to IMMEDIATELY release the pressure, he is unable to help himself.  The child could suffer brain damage and death usually after three minutes.

Please, please, talk to your child about this deadly game. Then talk and talk and talk again. Stay involved. Monitor. 

Now go hug your child.