A “risky” game that some local children are participating in has prompted a response from the Lambton-Kent District School Board.
A letter was sent home with children this week from local schools expressing concern about the “choking game.”
“I am writing today to share concerns, which are not wide spread at A.A. Wright, about students becoming involved in a risky activity known by names such as the ‘knock out game’, the ‘pass-out game’ or the ‘choking game.’ This activity poses significant risks to participants that we want you to be aware of so that you can follow-up with your child at home as you see fit,” wrote Ben Hazzard, principal at A.A. Wright, in a letter sent home with students on Wednesday.
Hazzard said in the letter they understand that this activity is being highlighted via social media as a ‘YouTube Challenge.’
“It is hoped that by sharing this information, you will be better informed and able to speak with your children about the risks associated with this stunt. Your voice as parents carries the greatest impact,” Hazzard wrote.
Similar letters were sent home from other schools across the school board.
The Lambton-Kent District School Board has also published a choking game fact sheet as well:
What is the Choking Game?
The choking game is not a game at all. It is the act of selfsuffocating to achieve a few seconds of a “high” feeling. Young people use various means to strangulate themselves, in order to cut off the oxygen supply to their brain. When the pressure is released, a brief feeling of euphoria or a “high” is experienced as the oxygen rushes back to the brain. The youth inevitably loses consciousness and often seizures are generated. In addition, the loss of oxygen can cause permanent brain damage or death. Anytime someone cuts off oxygen to their brain, brain cells die.
How is the Choking Game Played?
This activity is learned via word of mouth and through the internet. Sometimes youth will engage in this stunt alone, with a partner or in a group. If played in a group, one youth willingly agrees to being choked by another. Ropes, scarves, belts, bags, dog leashes, and bare hands are all examples of items that can be used as the choking weapon. Others may simply hold their breath or hyperventilate until they pass out. If the Choking Game is played alone the risk of death is greater, until as often times, when the youth loses consciousness they are unable to release the rope, etc. resulting in their premature death. Death caused by such suffocation activities can mistakenly be branded as a suicide, but in actuality, the youth did not mean to cause their own death.
Why are Youth Playing the Choking Game?
There are several different reasons why youth might participate in the Choking Game. Some do it for a thrill, because it’s “cool” and risky. Others engage in this activity for a cheap high, often as an alternative to illegal substances. The few seconds of a euphoric state that is achieved, can become additive. Youth have also reported “playing” as a response to peer pressure or simply out of curiosity – Dylan Blake Foundation for Adolescent Behaviours.
Who is Playing the Choking Game?
Children and adolescents, both male and female, usually between the ages of 9-16 years old, have been known to participate in this stunt. About five percent of Ontario students reported engaging in the choking game to get high at least once (2009 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey report from CAMH). These youth often do not seem to be experiencing any problems and do not seem like the type of child to be at risk. Generally, these adolescents tend to be high-achievers in academics or extra-curricular activities, such as music or sports. They view this activity as a harmless way to get a rush without engaging in the use of drugs or alcohol – Neumann-Potash, 2006.
Reports say the board consulted with the medical officers of health in Chatham-Kent and Lambton, a psychologist and a mental health professional before the letters were sent to parents.
