I wanted to bring to your attention a potentially lethal activity that many kids are playing these days called the “Chocking Game.” Though not new, it is gaining in popularity — paritcularly at slumber parties or as a “dare” amongst groups of kids. It is also being played by children as young as six or seven. The “thrill” behind the game is the “high” achieved through oxygen deprivation. And many kids say they actually become addicted to the feeling repeating the thrill again and again. Over the past year news stories have described how children have died from the sport. Brain damage - due to the lack of oxygen - is also a possibility. A nonprofit organization, Stop the Chocking Game Association,” has been formed to promote education about this deadly activity.

So take your own Reality Check: Have you talked to your children or students about the seriousness of the game and how the brain is effected by a lack of oxygen? Slurred speech, gaps of memory, sudden outbursts of anger, and death are a few outcomes.

If you need more information visit www.stop-the-chocking-game.com.

Michele Borba
www.micheleborba.com