A “choking game”, in which kids and teenagers cut off oxygen and blood to the brain by tying a belt or rope around their neck, is practiced by approximately 5% to 11%, according to data from an Oregon population-based survey published in Pediatrics. The authors explain that children play the game in order to experience a “high” after pressure around the neck is released.
Apart from the dangers associated with this activity, the researchers also found that it is linked to other risky behaviors by those who practice it.
Robert J. Nystrom, MA., from the Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division, Portland, Oregon, and team gathered data from the 2009 Healthy Teens survey. The study questioned 5,348 eighth-graders on their “choking game” participation, awareness, and if they did it, how often.
6.1% of the children said they had taken part in the choking game. The authors found that among those who took part in the game, their likelihood of being involved in substance abuse and sexual activity was significantly higher, among both the boys and the girls. Participation was also associated with poorer nutrition, increased violence among the boys, and gambling among the girls.
Of the children in the study who did take part in the “choking game”, 64% of them had done so more than once, while over one-quarter had taken part more than five times.
A higher percentage of African-American boys take part in the “choking game” than Caucasian males. Pacific Islander children were also found to have higher participation rates, compared to other kids.
The researchers say their findings are similar to those in previous studies. They add that during routine adolescent well visits, perhaps health care professionals should assess young people regarding their awareness of the game, its risks, and educate patients regarding its dangers.
In an Abstract in the same journal, the authors wrote:
“However, we found that most of those who participate will put themselves at risk more than once. Participants also have other associated health risk behaviors. The comprehensive adolescent well visit, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, is a good opportunity for providers to conduct a health behavior risk assessment and, if appropriate, discuss the dangers of engaging in this activity.”
In this study, they did not look into what the death rates might be among participants. According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) data, 82 children are known to have died from the activity between the years 1995 and 2007.
According to the CDC, “the choking game” is defined as:
“.. self-strangulation or strangulation by another person with the hands or a noose to achieve a brief euphoric state caused by cerebral hypoxia. Participants in this activity typically are youths. Serious neurologic injury or death can result if strangulation is prolonged.”
The “choking game” is also known as Knock Out, Space Monkey, Flatlining, and the Fainting Game.
Written by Christian Nordqvist