Communities throughout the U.S. and Europe are enduring the tragic deaths of children as the accidental result of an increasingly pervasive challenge commonly known as the “Blackout Challenge and/or Choking Game”.  These are not a safe – they can cause brain damage or death, with or without warning signs.

What are they?

They are NOT SAFE!  The physical goal of these activities is to restrict cerebral blood flow to the point of nearly or actually passing out for a variety of reasons including curiosity, competition, dare, and/or to experience an altered state.  This is accomplished by a variety of methods, the most popular being:

• compression of the carotid arteries using hands or a ligature;
• compression to the chest after hyperventilation;
• competition or dare to see who can resist passing out the longest under a choke hold (e.g., tap-out or submission holds typically used in mixed martial arts).

What kids do not know is that these techniques may accidentally cause death or injury.  Many kids also try this “challenge” alone by using a ligature (causing the majority of deaths).  Since they don’t know when they’re actually going to faint – they black out resulting in accidental asphyxiation.  It kills faster than drugs!  It is never safe!

Kids can become addicted to the choking game because of the euphoria they experience – not realizing that their brain is slowly dying.  The euphoria occurs in two steps (i) when pressure is applied (as blood carrying oxygen decreases) causing a lightheaded dizzy sensation; and then (ii) when pressure is released (as blood carrying oxygen floods the brain) causing a “rush” sensation. The rush only lasts momentarily so kids continue to do it – they don’t realize the potential for brain damage, injury and death.

These activities have no sexual component intent and should not be confused with autoerotic asphyxia (AEA) which may be practiced by older adolescents and adults.

Why is it popular?
The tween/teen years are a time of curiosity and exploration.  Some kids have said that this "challenge" gives them a feeling of invincibility.  Others say they "play" because of peer pressure, competition or dare.  While most students are taught the risks of drugs and alcohol, the dangers of the choking game go largely unaddressed.  The popularity of the these challenges may boil down to one simple fact:  Children and adolescents believe they are safe because they are unaware of the dangers.

What Can You Do?

• Learn about it
• Talk with your kids
• Share this with all your friends
• Urge your school to incorporate our training into their risk prevention curriculum

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