- Gloria J Clark 2006

Click here to access our list of resources about The Choking Game

The Choking Game goes by many names:  Airplaning, Black Out Game, Space Cowboy, Funky Chicken, Pass Out Game, Flatliner Game, Purple Dragon, and many others (it is not to be confused with Hypocapnia, which is accomplished by hyperventilating).

How It's Done

The main method of playing The Choking Game is by way of strangulation, either by another person applying pressure to the carotid arteries of the neck, thus cutting off blood flow to the brain resulting in unconsciousness and a euphoric high upon regaining consciousness; or, by using a ligature, such as a belt or rope, and doing it to oneself while alone. This, unfortunately, is the growing trend.

Most At Risk

Children between the ages of 9 and 14 years old are most often the ones to play this “game.” Unfortunately, they don’t have the knowledge or foresight to understand the consequences of what could happen. Besides death, other results can be:

• Permanent brain damage

• Retinal hemorrhaging

• Stroke

Symptoms

Some signs that could indicate a child is participating in The Choking Game include:

• Unexplained marks on the neck (bruising, red marks)

• Bloodshot eyes, bruising around eyes

• Belts, ties, ropes, or other ligatures, tied in knots and in unusual places

• Wear marks on furniture

• Desire to be alone

• Changes in behavior (mainly aggressiveness) or disorientation after being alone

What You Should Do

One of the best things we adults can do is talk to our kids about The Choking Game, and become informed. We've set up links to several websites that deal with this practice.