‘Choking game’ can be deadly
Dear Annie: Our grandson died a year ago at the age of 15. His death was the result of playing the extremely dangerous “choking game.” Thousands of kids between the ages of 9 and 16 are playing this game. There are other names for it, such as “pass out game” and “space monkey.” Kids play it in groups and alone. Playing alone is the most life-threatening.
The game involves squeezing the neck to limit blood flow and oxygen to the brain in order to achieve a high. Most of the children who play this game are good kids who are against the use of drugs and alcohol. Kids think it’s a safe way to achieve a rush without using. But it is not safe at all. Hundreds of kids have suffered brain damage and heart problems, or died from asphyxiation.
Most parents are unaware that this is something their children may be involved in. Schools teach about drugs, but no school I know of teaches the dangers of this game. There is a Web site that addresses the warning signs at www.chokinggame.net. I am hopeful others will learn about this practice before it happens to their child. – Still Grieving Grandma in Davenport, Iowa
Dear Grandma: Our condolences on your terrible loss. We have discussed this topic before, but it certainly bears another mention. Children and young teens think this self-asphyxiation game is harmless because it’s drug-free. But depriving the brain of oxygen, even for short periods, risks permanent brain damage, seizures and death. Parents should watch for marks around the neck, bloodshot eyes, complaints of headaches, disorientation after spending time alone and paraphernalia such as plastic bags, dog leashes, bungee cords, ties, ropes, scarves and belts, especially if they are tied to bedroom furniture or doorknobs or found knotted on the floor.
We hope all parents of young children will discuss the dangers as they would talk about drugs or alcohol. The best protection is honest information.
Dear Annie: This is in response to “Get It Right, Please!” whose in-laws insist on calling her “Jenny” instead of her correct name, which is “Jenna.”
She should make a huge name tag that reads “MY NAME IS JENNA” and wear it whenever she is around them. Maybe it could inject some humor while getting them to remember to use her correct name. If they slip up, she can simply point to the sign and have them repeat … and repeat … and repeat … until they finally get it right. – Eileen
Dear Eileen: Old habits die hard, and name tags won’t help when letters are incorrectly addressed, but injecting humor is often a good way to get a difficult point across. Thanks.