Hot Topic: The Choking Game

The Choking Game is a risky asphyxiation activity engaged in by many children and adolescents. Participants lose consciousness for a period of time. Unfortunately, some never regain consciousness. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that at least 82 youth have died from participating in the choking game since 1995. We have several resources about this activity in the CYFERnet database.

The Choking Game Fact Sheet
This fact sheet from the Weller Center describes the choking game, the risks associated with it, and how parents and teachers can address the issue.

The Choking Game: Risky Youth Behavior
This CDC page highlights the risks associated with the choking games and warning signs that a child or adolescent may be involved in the game.

The Dangers of Choking
This article from Teenwire.com is addressed to teens and describes the dangers of the choking game and what to do if they suspect their friends are involved in the game.

The Choking Game
This Connect with Kids page includes several articles about the choking game, including tips for parents about how to encourage their children and adolescents to make better decisions.

Choking Game Dangers
The Dylan Blake Foundation for Adolescent Behaviors A Non-Profit Educational Organization founded when 11 year old Dylan A. Blake unexpectedly passed away in October 2005 from a tragic accident. Dylan's death was due to his participation in the dangerous asphyxiation activity known as the "Choking Game".

Games Adolescents Shouldn't Play (G.A.S.P.)
Games Adolescents Shouldn't Play (G.A.S.P.) an international not-for-profit association founded for the purpose of putting an end to the Choking Game--an asphyxiation activity that causes the needless death of children and suffering of communities. To achieve this goal, GASP partners with other organizations that include Choking Game education as part of their overall message.

Unintentional Strangulation Deaths from the "Choking Game" Among Youths Aged 6-19 Years--United States, 1995—2007
This CDC report compiled news media reports to estimate the number of deaths from the choking game from 1995-2007. Most of the deaths were among males, and the mean age was 13.3 years.

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