Several weeks ago, I watched a movie on one of the cable channels. It focused on several teens participating in what is called  'The Choking Game.'  At first, I was skeptical about a child actually playing this game.  That is---until I talked with Darcy Jensen of Prairie View Prevention Services in Sioux Falls.

"Some tweens and teens are trying to achieve a high by strangulating themselves," Darcy tells me.  "The high is the result of oxygen rushing back to the brain after it's cut off by the practice of strangulation."

Darcy says 'The Choking Game' can be deadly!

"It is very dangerous and can easily lead to accidental death.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, there were more than 80 deaths due to self-strangulation in children aged 6 to 19 from 1995-2007,  Boys are more likely to die from the choking game, but the behavior is a danger to both boys and girls."

If you suspect your child has engaged in 'The Choking Game,' Darcy says you need to take quick action.

"Talk to your child about the real dangers of this game, including death, coma, possible brain damage broken bones and hemorrhages of the eye.  You also should alert your school should you find out children in your area are in danger of engaging in 'The Choking Game.'"

According to a new study, about 6 percent of adolescents have played 'The Choking Game' at least once!

 

 

 

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