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CDC takes steps to increase awareness of the choking game
Signs that a child may be engaging
in the choking game include:
- Discussion of the game – including other terms used for the game.
- Bloodshot eyes
- Marks on the neck
- Severe headaches
- Disorientation after spending time alone
- Ropes, scarves and belts tied to bedroom furniture or doorknobs or found knotted on the floor
- Unexplained presence of things like dog leashes, choke collars and bungee cords
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A deadly game played mostly by adolescent boys has officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) so concerned that physicians and parents are urged to look for warning signs of the activity.
A new CDC study found “the choking game” has claimed 82 lives since 1995. About 87 percent of the deaths were among boys 11-16 years old, with the average age being 13.
The game involves intentionally trying to choke oneself or another in an effort to obtain a brief euphoric state or “high.” Death or serious injury can result if strangulation is prolonged.
The CDC also found that most of the deaths occurred when a child engaged in the activity alone. Most parents were unaware of the choking game prior to their child’s death.
“This report is an important first step in identifying the choking game as a public health problem,” said Ileana Arias, Ph.D., director of CDC’s Injury Center. “More research is needed to identify risk factors that may contribute to kids playing the choking game and to determine what may help to reduce this type of behavior.” Find out more>>
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