The Young Mind

Rush

The Choking Game

By Noureen Ben Halim

“It’s something that is not talked about. It’s not well known, and there’s a lure to that.” Sarah, age 20, witnessed students choking each other. She is one of many who have witnessed a new trend, called-the choking game, among teenagers.

The game rules are simple. Teens press each other against a wall until their oxygen supply is cut off. After that, they pass out. There’s a huge risk of death, and even brain damage because the person deprives the brain of oxygen. Dr. Ashraf Attalla, child psychiatrist says, “By reducing the blood pressure the brain basically starts an irreversible process of dying.”

So what could teenagers today possibly be thinking? What is the incredible sensation they could be getting off choking each other, or “fainting each other?” Well, the teens that have experienced it say that there is an amazing high they get off it. Some of them do it to intoxicate themselves, without having to pay money on drugs.

This game has become so popular that many names for it have developed. A couple include: Space Monkey, Suffocation Roulette, California Headrush, Hoolahooping, and even Trip to heaven.

Often, due to peer pressure, teens neglect thinking first, and act on what they hear. They do not know the side effects and facts of this horrible routine. What these kids do not understand is that they are ruining their lives themselves. They listen to their friends, and they think they’ll fit in because of some game. The sad truth is, most of them do not live to “fit in.” Some live with permanent brain damage, others with memory loss. The lucky ones that survive, only do it again and again.

One should be aware that the spread of this game has also spread the different ways it is played. Not only is it played on walls, but sometimes teenagers use dog leashes, bungee cords, choke collars, and belts.

The innocence of kids and teenagers is being replaced by extreme ideas. Parents should become aware of what is going on. Often, signs that a teen is playing these games are bloodshot eyes, severe headaches, and marks on the neck. Parents should be able to communicate with their kids. Teens should not cover up for each other if they know of any choking activities. They should speak up. If they truly care about their friends, they will do what is best for them.

Teens should think before they act. The most decisive actions of our life are most often unexpected actions.