'How is the 'choking game' played?

Question

I have a son of 15 whom I suspect is playing the 'choking game' with his friends. He recently has a bloodshot eye which he could not explain. I was initially concerned about drugs, but only today heard about the 'choking game' for the first time. How exactly is this game played and how can I be sure he is doing it without confronting him and perhaps giving him an idea about something that he has not heard of?

Thanks for all the answers guys. Not sure if this is really what I meant. I was referring to a 'playground' game where kids crouch down on their haunches, hyperventilate, hold their breath and faint. Has anyone heard of this? How is it done exactly?

Answer 1

This may be "autoerotic asphyxia". SERIOUSLY dangerous! Wikipedia has a bit of general information. How did you find out about the choking game--something that the boy said?

It's going to be more than a little awkward pressing the kid for information, because, of course, talking to kids about sex is rough and talking about....unusual...things is even rougher.

Google has a lot of good hits; here's one useful link.

http://www.cwu.edu/~jenkinsa/AEA.htm

Answer 2

There are different variations on how to 'play' this wicked, high risk, thrill seeking activity, known as the 'choking game'. A kid taught the kid who taught me this 'game' when I was 11 or so and we called it the 'hyperventilation' game. We would hypervetilate, hold our breath and someone would squeeze us from behind. This form of 'playing' has killed. A more deadly form is when the blood flow is cut off by squeezing the neck.... either with someone else, or the deadliest form, when someone 'plays' this alone, using 'something' to wrap around their necks. The window of safety is ZERO. It is only luck when death is avoided, however, damage is done EVERY TIME the brain is deprived of oxygen.
A kid taught the kid that taught my kid this game, which killed my kid, my beautiful, precious, awesome, funny, kind, well liked 13 year old son Gabriel on May 6, 2005.
Gabriel showed 3 of 5 major warning signs. I wish I had not been ignorant to the deadliness of this activity.
Ignorance is anything but bliss.
Warning and Education are crucial from the early primary grades on up; children as young as six have died from this 'game'. Where one child is 'playing' it, you can be sure many are.
Talk about this. Talk to the children before someone else tells them 'how cool it is, how fun it is; don't worry, it's not like drugs or alcohol, it can't hurt you'. ... This 'game' has been killing for DECADES.
I miss my boy, oh I miss him so so much....
Sarah Pacatte, Gabriel Mordecai's Mom

Answer 3

Yes I have heard of this a lot of people of my estate use to play it a few years back they push their windpipe in until they can't breath and pass out, it is suppose to be funny, don't know what is so funny about it. He could possibly be playing it or he could be smoking weed. The only way to find out for sure is to ask him, if your relationship is a good one hopefully he will be honest but you know what 15 yr olds are like just wanna be and do what their friends are doing because it is "cool". I don't think they can pass out from this by purely just holding their breath. I think they do use either their hands or something else to choke themselves with hence the name "the choking game".

Answer 4

It is one of the most dangerous games I have come across. the person ties something around their throats, some even pass out while doing it.
I believe it started many years ago, with a S/M treatment and would often sexually arouse the recipient.
My advise is to stop your son from doing this sort of thing, I can find no reports of death, but remember there is always a first.
there are many websites out there, try Chanel 4 news.
"Daddy Dave"

Answer 5

now that you know what it is, you need to get him some serious help. I've heard it starts out as a group thing, and becomes addictive to the point where kids will do it alone. If it's done alone, then who will Be there to release the object of choking, such as a belt. It can cause seizures, comas, or even death.

Answer 6

the choking games is played a matter of ways all involving cutting off air flow to the body to the point where your about to pass out, many people die from this or sustain major brain damage. the best way to find out whether your son is doing this is by asking him don't beat around the bush and wait for him to kill himself straight forward, come out with it, ask. it saves alot of time and grief, and if he's not playing the game and you give him a bad idea keep it just as that a bad idea tell all the bad things about it research if you have to

Answer 7

I tell you what - if you go about it in the way that these asses say then you will end up with a kid that wont want to talk to you about things.
I played it a few times when i was younger - it was fun!
Yes it is dangerous but if you lose your rag about it and ban him from playing it and/or hanging out with the mates that he plays it with then he wont trust you.
I dont know excactly how you should go about talking to him about it.
When I was his age i am not sure how i would have liked my parents to approach me about this issue (or any other similar issue for that matter) Just be cool!

In his eyes it is just a game - dont punish his ignorance too severely.

Laura - [e-mail]

Answer 8

I'm not exactly sure.

But kids wrap stuff around their neck, like a telephone chord.

And whoever passes out first loses.

I think it's stupid.

And if you suspect your son is playing the choking game, CONFRONT HIM IMMEDIATELY!

Before something bad happens.

Answer 9

48hrs did a special on it you may be able to find it online via a podcast or something. Its either with friends or alone, basically choking themselves out by any means for the blood rush when they wake up from passing out. Apparently it kills a lot of kids these days.

Answer 10

Is there any other reason you suspect him other than a bloodshot eye?
your eyes can get bloodshot from a number of things,
straining or lifting
I hope everything is OK