NPR: CDC Warns Parents About the Choking Game

CDC Warns Parents About the Choking Game

Filed under: News

The Centers for Disease Control released the results of the first-ever nationwide study of deaths related to the "Choking Game." By their account, based on media reports from the years 1995 to 2007, 82 kids between the ages of 6 and 19 have died playing the game in which they choke themselves in order to feel a brief, euphoric sensation. The study authors say the number of deaths is probably underestimated.

Nearly 87% of the victims were male; the average age was 13.

The CDC found that most of the deaths occured when kids played the game alone, using ligatures made from items like ropes or belts.

They also found that most parents they studied had no idea the choking game existed before their child died.

Along with the study, the CDC is putting out advice for parents, warning signs of what to look for. You can see the list after the jump:

According to the CDC, signs that a child may be engaging in the choking game include
--discussion of the game --including other terms used for it, such as "pass-out game" or "space monkey"
--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

The CDC urges parents who believe their child is playing the choking game to talk to their kids about how dangerous it can be.

And so does Dr. Patricia Russell, who says her 13-year-old son Colin died after playing the game. Click here to hear her story.

Tricia McKinney

2:27 PM ET | 02-15-2008 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

I just listened to this 'Choking Game' story on your podcast, I'm a 35 year old woman from NC and my girlfriends used to play this game at most spend-the-night parties throughout middle school in the 80's.
I remember one time a friend of mine went into a seizure when 'playing' and we all panicked between snickers. We never told an adult and luckily my friend ended up rattled but OK.
My only point being, this is not a new phenomena.

Sent by clay | 3:59 PM ET | 02-15-2008

Our 14 year old son, Brad, died December 27th, 1988 of "Autoerotic Asphyxia" We have "attempted" for over 19 years to warn children and their parents of the extreme danger of any activity that interfers with the blood flow...because of the sexual connection and the age we have received GREAT resistance by many to try and protect other curious children from dying in such a needless way. Any accidental death can be prevented...nearly 20 years ago we wish we had known WHAT to tell our brilliant, handsome,curious CHILD what activity to avoid because it can cause instanteous death. The world has been deprieved of all the great accomplishments Brad Boyum would have attained in his lifetime, our lives as parents, our other beloved children, his other family members and all his dear friends would have had a lifetime without the focus of his needless death and lived lives so much more carefree. I would give ANYTHING to prevent any deaths like Brad. My dear husbadn, Paul, died 3 months ago. As always I openly accept any inquires about Brad and the circumstances of his death as I understand them. He was a child deeply loved and nourished....how innocently his life was lost. With love and understanding to all who have lost a child like this.

Sent by mary ann boyum | 7:32 PM ET | 02-16-2008

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