Kids are constantly searching for new ways of entertaining themselves and the choking game (sometimes called the 'fainting game') remains a whispered tradition that continues to make its way through the generations no matter how much it is discouraged.
It may have been known by another name during your childhood or you might not even realize that it exists.
Regardless, the choking game poses a very real threat to your child.
What Is the Choking Game? The choking 'game' is not really a game at all.
Though you may have never heard of it, it has been a fixture of playgrounds, camps, and school yards for generations.
The choking game is extremely popular among the middle school crowd, but children and youth ranging in age from 7 up to 21 have been known to participate.
The 'high' or 'floating' sensation that participants experience due to lack of oxygen is a huge draw.
Other children may try the game of curiosity or peer pressure.
Children can play the game alone or in a group.
The entire purpose of the game is restricting oxygen flow enough so that an oxygen deprivation 'high' is experienced.
This can be accomplished by several different means.
When being played by two or more persons, pressure may be applied in several different ways including a choke hold compressing the neck, a bear hug compressing the chest, or palms compressing the chest.
When being played solo, pressure may be applied via ligature or palms compressing the carotid artery.
Other methods used by solo players include the 'thumb blow' method and hyperventilation combined with the thumb blow.
Consequences/Outcomes Though the desired result of the game is that sense of euphoria that comes from being deprived of oxygen, children dabbling in this dangerous behavior often do not consider the possible adverse effects.
Unconsciousness can occur within a matter of seconds and with prolonged strangulation (within 3 minutes), functions such as memory and the nervous system begin to fail.
Other possible complications include seizures, brain damage, stroke, concussions, broken bones, retinal hemorrhaging, and brain damage.
The most serious consequence of the choking game is death.
Signs That Your Child May Be Playing the Choking Game Many children indulge in the 'thrill' of the choking game and participation is not necessarily an indication that your child has a problem.
Many of the participants are often high achieving, well adjusted children.
The typical 'player' is normally male and between the ages of 9 and 16, although you will find older and younger participants as well as females.
If you are concerned that your child may be playing the choking game, there are some signs that you should be aware of.
These include recurrent headaches that are often severe, bruising or marking around the neck area, attitude changes, aggressive behavior, sudden privacy demands, and bloodshot eyes.
If he/she is using the ligature method, you may notice wear marks on the furniture (closet rods, bunk beds, etc.
).
Speaking with your child about the dangers of choking is just as important as speaking to him/her about other high risk behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, drugs, and sex.
Children indulge in the 'game' because they do not fully understand the possible consequences.
It is imperative that you have done your best to educate your child in order to avoid an unexpected tragedy.
It may have been known by another name during your childhood or you might not even realize that it exists.
Regardless, the choking game poses a very real threat to your child.
What Is the Choking Game? The choking 'game' is not really a game at all.
Though you may have never heard of it, it has been a fixture of playgrounds, camps, and school yards for generations.
The choking game is extremely popular among the middle school crowd, but children and youth ranging in age from 7 up to 21 have been known to participate.
The 'high' or 'floating' sensation that participants experience due to lack of oxygen is a huge draw.
Other children may try the game of curiosity or peer pressure.
Children can play the game alone or in a group.
The entire purpose of the game is restricting oxygen flow enough so that an oxygen deprivation 'high' is experienced.
This can be accomplished by several different means.
When being played by two or more persons, pressure may be applied in several different ways including a choke hold compressing the neck, a bear hug compressing the chest, or palms compressing the chest.
When being played solo, pressure may be applied via ligature or palms compressing the carotid artery.
Other methods used by solo players include the 'thumb blow' method and hyperventilation combined with the thumb blow.
Consequences/Outcomes Though the desired result of the game is that sense of euphoria that comes from being deprived of oxygen, children dabbling in this dangerous behavior often do not consider the possible adverse effects.
Unconsciousness can occur within a matter of seconds and with prolonged strangulation (within 3 minutes), functions such as memory and the nervous system begin to fail.
Other possible complications include seizures, brain damage, stroke, concussions, broken bones, retinal hemorrhaging, and brain damage.
The most serious consequence of the choking game is death.
Signs That Your Child May Be Playing the Choking Game Many children indulge in the 'thrill' of the choking game and participation is not necessarily an indication that your child has a problem.
Many of the participants are often high achieving, well adjusted children.
The typical 'player' is normally male and between the ages of 9 and 16, although you will find older and younger participants as well as females.
If you are concerned that your child may be playing the choking game, there are some signs that you should be aware of.
These include recurrent headaches that are often severe, bruising or marking around the neck area, attitude changes, aggressive behavior, sudden privacy demands, and bloodshot eyes.
If he/she is using the ligature method, you may notice wear marks on the furniture (closet rods, bunk beds, etc.
).
Speaking with your child about the dangers of choking is just as important as speaking to him/her about other high risk behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, drugs, and sex.
Children indulge in the 'game' because they do not fully understand the possible consequences.
It is imperative that you have done your best to educate your child in order to avoid an unexpected tragedy.
Source...