Erik’s Cause
John Doe, 12
Santa Monica, CA
Global artisans
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
High quality materials
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
Customized for you
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
Global artisans
-
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
-
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
High quality materials
-
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
-
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
Customized for you
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We offer a range of solutions designed to meet your needs—whether you're just getting started or scaling something bigger. Everything is tailored to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
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Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
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We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
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We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.
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Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.
NEWS
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Turning our TragedY into Action
to Fight Online Harms
Upcoming Events
explore
OUR PROGRAMS
Erik’s Cause centers on prevention education — teaching kids, supporting parents, and pushing broader awareness and safety efforts around dangerous social media-driven challenges and online harms.
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A skill-based classroom module titled “Navigating Online Harms” helps students recognize and understand the real dangers of viral online challenges and broader online harms. It promotes critical thinking, teaches refusal and peer-pressure resistance skills, and encourages healthier decision-making. The program is fully scripted, adaptable to health/digital wellness curricula, and offered free of charge.
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Complementing the student training, structured parent workshops equip caregivers with background on online risks, warning signs, and concrete strategies for talking with their kids. These sessions help bridge communication between home and school on sensitive topics like social media influence. The workshops are designed to reinforce what students learn and expand the parent’s toolkit.
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Erik’s Cause engages in awareness-building by sharing advocacy links and partnering with aligned organizations working to highlight online harms and social media challenge risks. They support broader efforts to influence policy, elevate public understanding, and spur safer digital environments for kids. This work connects community, education, and policy levels around online safety.
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The organization provides downloadable resources — including research, fact sheets, and educational guides — tailored to educators, families, and young people. These materials support improved literacy around online risk behaviors and give actionable tips for prevention and early intervention. The resource hub also lists other groups working on related safety issues.
INTERACTIVE MAP OF
“PASSOUT CHALLENGE” VICTIMS
Learn about victims in your area and across the globe with over 1,250 deaths tracked and documented.
OUR STORY
WHY I FIGHT
I’m Judy, Erik’s Mom.
Erik was a bright 6th grader, an “A” student, Boy Scout and athlete with big dreams.
One day he saw something online. The next day, he tried it — and died. There were no warning signs. He didn’t know it could cost him his life.
I lost my only child to something kids thought was safe. Now, I turn that loss into action, protecting families from preventable online harms.
REQUEST
MORE INFO
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A skill-based classroom module titled “Navigating Online Harms” helps students recognize and understand the real dangers of viral online challenges and broader online harms. It promotes critical thinking, teaches refusal and peer-pressure resistance skills, and encourages healthier decision-making. The program is fully scripted, adaptable to health/digital wellness curricula, and offered free of charge.
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Complementing the student training, structured parent workshops equip caregivers with background on online risks, warning signs, and concrete strategies for talking with their kids. These sessions help bridge communication between home and school on sensitive topics like social media influence. The workshops are designed to reinforce what students learn and expand the parent’s toolkit.
-
Erik’s Cause engages in awareness-building by sharing advocacy links and partnering with aligned organizations working to highlight online harms and social media challenge risks. They support broader efforts to influence policy, elevate public understanding, and spur safer digital environments for kids. This work connects community, education, and policy levels around online safety.
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The organization provides downloadable resources — including research, fact sheets, and educational guides — tailored to educators, families, and young people. These materials support improved literacy around online risk behaviors and give actionable tips for prevention and early intervention. The resource hub also lists other groups working on related safety issues.
Start the conversation that makes a difference. Join the fight to support education, prevention, and safer outcomes for kids and families.
MORE NEWS
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Why is it so hard to hold social media platforms liable?
The brief answer to this: In 1996, Congress wanted online platforms to grow as venues for commerce and communication while at the same time proactively curb harmful behavior online. If platforms were viewed as a publisher, they could be held liable for its online content. So, in 1996 Congress enacted the Communications Decency Act to protect online companies from liability arising from what is posted on their platforms. In short, Section 230 of this act provides these companies complete immunity from whatever is posted. Click HERE understand what the intent of Section 230 initially was and why it has morphed into a blanket immunity shield for these companies.
While this may have made sense in the 1990s, no one could have predicted the explosion of social media and it's grip hold. In the 1990s, the general public was entirely unaware that these platforms primarily operate by algorithms generating and pushing content to end users without regard for the appropriateness of that content and/or the potential dangers that came with that content.
Still … courts interpret Section 230 as a complete immunity shield for all online platforms. And it empowers platforms not to care because they are forever not liable for any potential consequences.
Click HERE to understand why Section 230 needs to be amended.
Where does that leave us now?
Since 2021, state and federal legislatures appear to have finally awakened to this issue and have started both to investigate (via hearings) and proposing laws, though the hurdle of Section 230 appears almost insurmountable.
Click on the links below to learn more of what has been (and continues to be) uncovered with respect to social media’s harm in general but particularly as it relates to the harms it causes to our kids, as well as both federal and state attempts to hold social media platforms accountable.
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Since 2021, state and federal legislatures appear to have finally awakened to this issue and have started both to investigate (via hearings) and proposing laws, though the hurdle of Section 230 appears almost insurmountable.
Click on the links below to learn more of what has been (and continues to be) uncovered with respect to social media’s harm in general but particularly as it relates to the harms it causes to our kids, as well as both federal and state attempts to hold social media platforms accountable.
2021:
Protecting Kids Online led by Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety and Data Security
The Facebook Files a Wall Street Journal Investigation of internal research showing how Facebook has amplified hate speech and misinformation and how Instagram has harmed teen mental health. (Subscription required to read the actual WSJ investigation. A summary can be found HERE)
60 Minutes Segment: “Whistleblower” Facebook is misleading the public on progress against hate speech, violence misinformation.
Protecting Kids Online: Testimony from a Facebook Whistleblower Frances Haugen’s testimony in front of the third Senate subcommittee hearing candidly discussing this being Facebook’s “Big Tobacco moment.”
Protecting Kids Online: Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube Executives from Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube discuss safety features for young people on their apps. But when grilled by Senators (about safety features as well as unsolicted disturbing content showing up in social media feeds), the social media representatives side-stepped questions and some outright denied that their platforms maintained and promoted harmful content to our youth.
52 State Attorneys General form a Bi-Partisan Coalition to take aim at social media giants to hold them accountable.
10 State Attorneys General launch investigation into Meta-owned Instagram’s impact on kids regarding the potential harms caused by this platform.
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Erik’s Cause engages in awareness-building by sharing advocacy links and partnering with aligned organizations working to highlight online harms and social media challenge risks. They support broader efforts to influence policy, elevate public understanding, and spur safer digital environments for kids. This work connects community, education, and policy levels around online safety.
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NEW: April 2025, USA: Meta Just Admitted They Could Have Saved Your Kids All Along
NEW: April 2023, USA: Mothers Power New Drive to Make Social Media Firms Accountable for Harms
NEW: January 2023, USA: Senator Josh Hawley introduces Bill to ban TikTok in the United States
NEW: DR. PHIL segment January 2023: Shedding light on "The Blackout Challenge"
NEW: Bloomberg News November 2022:TikTok Viral Challenges Keep Luring Young Kids to their Deaths
May 2022, California: Mother who lost son to “choking game” advocates for children’s online safety bill
September 2021, Fox News: Her son died from a 'choking game,' now she's determined to save other kids' lives
January 2020, Mel Robbins Show: Digital Predators
March 2018, TIME Magazine: The Dangers of the 'Choking Game' to get High. Instead They're Dying
Implementation of Erik's Cause Training in Utah:
May 2015: Deadly Choking Game and Teens; How School Districts and Police are Facing the Issue
December 2014: Curriculum Addresses Potentially Deadly "Choking Game"
2015-2016 Research (no substantive pass out game research since this time):
December 2015, Wisconsin: The Choking Game and YouTube: An Update (Univ of Wisconsin Research Study)
June 2016, California: Impact of Erik's Cause Training on School Aged Children (UC Davis Medical Center Study)
LA County Office of Education Newsletter:
ALL LINKS ARE FROM TRUSTED MEDIA SITES:
2023
May 2023, Washington: 'I found myself doing CPR on him:' Dad's warning about deadly challenge
April 2023, USA: Mothers Power New Drive to make Social Media Firms Accountable for Harms
January 2023, USA: Senator Josh Hawley introduces Bill to ban TikTok in the United States
January 2023, Argentina: 12 year old girl dies in sick TikTok choking challenge
January 2023, Argentina: Tragedy in Santa Fe: A 12 year old girl died after performing the dangerous viral "blackout challenge"
January 2023, National: Republicans and Democrats, Unit Against Big Tech Abuses
January 2023, Pennsylvania: Mother asks court to overturn ruling giving TikTok immunity from liability in child's death
January 2023, National: Dr. Phil segment - Shedding light on "The Blackout Challenge"
2022:
December, 2022, Ohio: It's killing our babies: 12 year old from Richmond Heights dies attempting TikTok blackout challenge
December, 2022, Egypt: Egypt MP calls to ban TikTok after 13 year old boy fractures neck in viral challenge
November 2022, Bloomberg News USA: TikTok Viral Challenges Keep Luring Young Kids to their Deaths
September, 2022, New Mexico: Lawsuit filed against TikTok in New Mexico in boy's death (blackout challenge)
September 2022, New York: Risky social media challenges pose dangers to even most well adjusted kids, experts say
September 2022, Scotland: Boy died doing viral TikTok Blackout Challenge while friends watched
August 2022, The Netherlands: Teen boy, 15, accused of choking four students during knockout challenge
July 2022, Texas: Texas Parents Sue TikTok over Death of Texas Girl who participated in blackout challenge
July 2022, Wisconsin: Family sues TikTok after girl, 9, dies from blackout challenge
May 2022, Pennsylvania: Mother Sues TikTok over 10-year-old daughter's blackout challenge death
April 2022, Colorado: Colorado Boy, 12, dies after attempting the TikTok blackout challenge
March 2022, Australia: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10634243/TikTok-blackout-challenge-telling-Australian-kids-hold-breath-pass-out.html
March 2022, Colorado: Dad Warns Parents After Son, 12, Dies from 'Blackout Challenge': 'Check Out' Your Kids' Phones
March 2022, New York: Canton Central principal warns of ‘choking challenge’ after death of 12-year-old
January 2022, Pennsylvania: After 10-year-old dies from "blackout challenge,' mother shares warning
2021:
December 2021, Pennsylvania: 10-year-old PA girl dies after trying dangerous 'Blackout Challenge' on social media
December 2021, Canada: ‘Tap out’ choking game sends one Kitchener child to hospital while another faces charges
September 2021, Fox News USA: Her son died from a 'choking game;" now she's determined to save other kids' lives
August 2021, Wisconsin: Sun Prairie: mother raising alarm about a dangerous online trend
June 2021, Tennessee: A 9-year-old boy died after trying TikTok strangulation challenge, family says
June 2021, Massachusetts: Amherst teen dies after "blackout challenge"
April 2021, Colorado: Joshua, 12, dead after a challenge on TikTok
April 2021, Colorado: 12-year-old boy brain dead after attempting TikTok 'blackout challenge'
March 2021, Colorado: Boy, 12, brain dead after trying Tik Tok choking challenge, family says
February 2021, Canada: Saskatoon mom says online 'challenge' resulted in son's death
January 2021, Italy: 10-year old girl dies in 'blackout challenge' circulating on TikTok
January 2021, Pennsylvania: ’I’m going to play outside!’ I called for him but he didn’t answer. I saw him by a tree. Then I saw the rope.’: Mom loses son to deadly internet trend, ‘No child is immune to this’
January 2021, Ohio: Choking's no game
2020:
August, 2020, Russia: Russian girl, 8, dies after 'choking game' with schoolboys aged 11 and 13
June 2020, Utah: Utah mom warns of "choking game' after son's 14-year-old friend dies
March 2020, Illinois: Brooklyn 9-year-old died accidentally doing a social media challenge, grandmother says
February 2020, New Zealand: "Passing out" for likes: new Tik Tok trend could be deadly
February 2020, New York: Kids are passing out on camera for views on Tik Tok and it's incredibly upsetting
February 2020, Michigan: Michigan State Police warn parents about 'The Choking Game'
January 2020, Michigan: 'Choking Game' causes bullied teen to pass out, have seizure at Davison school
January 2020, New York: Mel Robbins Show: Digital Predators
2019:
December 2019, Connecticut: Students accused of choking special needs student in “game”
December 2019, Connecticut: Charges follow 'choking game' at East Hartford school, police say
November 2019, Utah: Choking game leads to child abuse charges at Sanpete County treatment center
November 2019, Utah: Employee at Oxbow Academy East charged for allowing boys to play 'choking game’
November 2019, Georgia: Why would anyone do this?
November 2019, New Hampshire: 2 NH high school students faint while playing the ‘choking game’
November 2019, New Hampshire: Goffstown school officials warn parents after two students force themselves to pass out
October 2019, UAE: UAE:13-year Old Rashid Survives After Being Strangled In Pass Out Game
October 2019, UAE: UAE mother raises alarm after teenager survives choking game
July 2019, England: Mason Warwick may have died from ‘choking game’
July 2019, India: Think before you accept viral Internet challenges
June 2019, Alabama: Glencoe Police Department talking mental health resources for officers
June 2019, Wales: Deadly 'choking game' warning after Bridgend school kids' Snapchat post
June 2019, Ohio: Len Rome’s Local Health: Dangerous Internet Challenges
June 2019, Dangerous fads like Choking Game Challenge target at risk teens
May 2019, Indiana: After Son, 15, Dies from 'Choking Challenge,' Mom Urges 'Serious Discussions with Your Kids'
May 2019, Indiana: Dozens of kids have died from the 'choking game.' Here are 3 of them
May 2019, Indiana: Doctors urge parents to know about choking challenge
May 2019, Indiana: Teen dies after playing 'choking game' he saw on social media, parents say
May 2019, Indiana: Evansville teen critically injured after playing 'choking game,' organs to be donated, parents say
April 2019, England: Brit kids choking each other until they pass out in chilling 'tap-out' craze
February 2019, England: Cookstown High warning about ‘choking’ game
February 2019, Washington: Vancouver family blames internet choking game for daughter’s death
February 2019, Ohio: Mental Illness - How to spot the signs and symptoms
February 2019, Washington: Choking Game - Internet challenge leads to teen death family says
2018:
November 2018, England: Parents warned about dangerous "choking game" taking over school playgrounds
October 2018, Colorado: Colorado mom warns of "choking challenge" after losing 11-year-old son
July 2018, Canada: Grave Warning Issued after 13-year-old Dies While Playing "Choking Game"
June 2018, Utah: Mother of boy who died playing "choking game" wants parents to know how deadly it is
May 2018, Netherlands: Hague boy, 15, killed in Social Media Challenge, Family Says
May 2018, Utah: South Jordan boy dies after playing 'fainting game,' mother has message for other parents
March 2018, California (video): After losing her son to the 'choking game' this mom is on a quest to save others
March 2018, California (print): After losing her son to the 'choking game' this mom is on a quest to save others
March 2018, Australia: What Parents Need to Know about The Choking Game
March 2018, TIME Magazine: Kids are Playing the 'Choking Game" to get High. Instead, they're Dying
March 2018, Wisconsin: Growing Up Healthy Blog: The Choking Game
February 2018, Illinois: Quest for "Likes" boosts deadly pass out-challenge
February 2018, Mississippi: Investigation into accidental hanging of 7-year-old
February 2018, Connecticut: Kids Today Aren't More Stupid: It's Just that Today Dumb is Forever
January 2018, England: Choked by Accident - Teen footballer, 15, accidentally hanged himself during "experiment" gone wrong
2017:
December 2017, Thailand: Thai doctor warns "Pass Out Challenge" can kill
December 2017, Vermont: St. Johnsbury Academy responds to "blackout game" incident
December 2017, Idaho: Twin Falls polar plunge to benefit Luckey family
November 2017, Idaho: East Idaho family's 11-year-old son died playing the choking game
November 2017, Texas: 11-year-old boy injured by playing "choking game" in Willis ISD classroom
November 2017, North Carolina: A warning from parents after their son dies playing the "choking game"
October 2017, India: 48-Hours Challenge - a new online "game" that encourages kids to go missing
October 2017, Malasya: Pass Out Challenge going viral among Malasyan teens might lead to stroke or death
October 2017, Malasya: Teens Are Pressing Their Friends' Chests Until They Pass Out In A New Internet Challenge
October 2017, Australia: My son escaped with his life but the next kid may not
October 2017, Pakistan: New Gaming Risks
September 2017, New Hampshire: Newly Retired State Medical Examiner Reflects on 20-year Career
August 2017, England: Six Disturbing Online Challenges Every Parent Should Watch Out For this Summer
July 2017, South Africa: Distraught Dad warns of 'Choking Game'
June 2017, Holland: Teens don't see risks of online challenges like 'Choking Game'
June 2017, Holland: Dutch teen, 16, killed in "Choking Game"
June 2017, Alaska: Auke Bay boy's death linked to dangerous 'choking game'
June 2017, Colorado: Ride for Hope - the Bri Project
June 2017, England: Schoolboy may have killed himself playing choking game popular at school
June 2017, England: Schoolboy, 11, who was found hanging in front of his bedroom mirror 'may have been trying to copy a Good Kids High choking game'
May 2017, Ohio: Coroner to reopen case of 8-year-old's hanging after school releases video
May 2017, Texas: Stinnett police warn parents about the "Choking Game"
May 2017, New Jersey (Yahoo News): What Parents Need to Know about the 'Choking Game'
May 2017, New Jersey: School: Student dies as a result of the 'Choking Game'
May 2017, Ireland: Co Clare teenager died due to 'choking game' father says
May 2017, Idaho: The dangerous game your kids could be playing
May 2017, New York: School district warns of "pass out" game dangers
April 2017, Pennsylvania: Parents use death of son during choking game to warn others
April 2017, Iowa: Parents warned of 'pass out' game
March 2017, Colorado: Choking Game fatalities on the rise among teens
March 2017, South Carolina: Family hopes to educate about the dangers of the choking game
March 2017, Wisconsin: Casting a light on a dangerous game
March 2017, Michigan: School Warns Parents - Potentially Deadly "Choking Game' Is Making a Comeback
March 2017, California: Parents warned of kids' "choking game" dangers
March 2017, Maryland: Blair mourns loss of a student
February 2017, New Jersey: Princeton - Dangerous 'choking game' surfaces at John Witherspoon Middle School
February 2017, Pennsylvania: Parents of victim warn of choking game dangers
February 2017, Texas: Teen, parent, school district warn about consequences of "choke out game"
January 2017, South Carolina: Reports reveal details in child's death
January 2017, South Carolina: School mourns loss of Indian Land boy, 9; coroner says he died of asphyxia
January 2017, England: Fun-loving schoolboy, 10, hanged himself with a scarf in his bedroom in act of childhood curiosity
January 2017, Australia: Choking Game linked to Brisbane boy's death
2016:
December 2016, N/A: Medscape: Youth Engaging in the Choking Game - Be on Alert
November 2016, Utah: The Choking Game in Iron County
November 2016, Illinois: The Choking Game is one that no one ever wins playing (AAP Journals Blog)
November 2016, Ohio: Family 411: Warning kids about the choking game
November 2016, Texas: Teens playing deadly games
October 2016, South Carolina: Parents of choking game victims share warning signs
October 2016, Idaho: Family wants to bring awareness about deadly game
October 2016, Tennessee: Mid-South parents' warning about deadly game
October 2016, Brazil: Schoolboy, 13, "bullied" into hanging himself after teammates blame him for losing online game League of Legends
October 2016, Colorado: The Choking Game killed their son
October 2016, Canada: Resident warns of dangers of choking game
October 2016, South Carolina: Rock Hill mom, mourns death of son, 14, in choking game - "It's in my mind forever"
October 2016, South Carolina: York County Coroner's Office and Rock Hill Schools to Host Educational Program on Choking Game
October 2016, Canada: Choking game fad at Cowichan Valley schools
September 2016, England: Nan's horror at choking game
September 2016, England: Boy, 12, becomes seventh child to die playing choking game - three months after his school warned pupils over lethal craze
September 2016, Georgia: Mother says 11-year-old died mimicking prank YouTube video
September 2016, Ohio: Suicide or Choking Game? Experts Weigh in on latest suicide involving student
September 2016, Ohio: Suicide or Choking Game: Grandma speaks out
September 2016, New York: Police can't even say how many lives "choking game" has claimed
September 2016, South Carolina: Boy, 11, dies playing "terrible game" parents say
June 2016, California: Impact of Erik's Cause Training on School Aged Children (UC Davis Medical Center Study)
June 2016, Australia: Queensland teen charged over school choking game
June 2016, Australia: Choking Game Almost Killed Schoolboy
June 2016, England: Boy, 12, Dies after Playing "Choking Game"
May 2016, England: Sutton Schoolboy Ryan Payne found hanged in Morden home had interest in internet "Choking Game"
May 2016, Canada: This is not a game
May 2016, Canada: B.C. Coroner Report Links "Choking Game" to Nick Lang Death
May 2016, Michigan: Staff at Local School Educates Parents After Report of "Pass Out" Challenge Surfaces
April 2016, Ohio: Boy Injured in Choking Game
March 2016, South Carolina: Upstate 11-year-old dies playing online ‘pass-out challenge’ game, mother says
March 2016, England: Tragedy as an 11-year-old boy dies after playing popular online 'pass-out challenge' where kids choke themselves unconscious
January 2016, Utah: The Choking Game: A Deadly Game Teens Play
January 2016, North Dakota: Fargo South AD says Boys Hockey "Choking Game" Incident, Not Hazing
2015:
December 2015, Wisconsin: The Choking Game and YouTube: An Update (Univ of Wisconsin Research Study)
December 2015, Washington DC: The Deadly, Persisting Popularity of "The Choking Game"
December 2015, Colorado: 13-year-old Found Dead After Playing the Choking Game, Family Says
December 2015, Colorado: Colorado Springs Family Loses 13-Year-Old Son to the Choking Game
October 2015, Illinois: Suicide, Accident or Murder? Cops Investigating Death of 8 year old Found Hanging in Closet
October 2015, Texas: San Marcos teen dies after sleepover ‘choke hold’
August 2015, Missouri: After Tragedy, Local Mom Discovers Game with Lethal Potential
July 2015, England: Mother whose Son, 14, was Killed Warns Others about the Choking Game
July 2015, England: Parents Warn about Choking Game after Son's Death
July 2015, California: LACOE Newsletter, Page 2: Even Smart, Strong Kids Can Make Dumb Choices with Deadly Consequences
July 2015, England: Parents Warning over Deadly Choking Game
June 2015, South Africa: Teen Dies after Playing Choking Game
June 2015, Canada: Bike Thief Shows up at Calgary Family's Door to Apologize to Parents of Deceased Boy
June 2015, Virginia: Family of Brooke Point Locker-Room Choking Victim Hired Lawyers
June 2015, Virginia: Choking Incident Prompts Stafford to Set Tough Code for Athletes
June 2015, Ireland: Concerned Mum Urges Parents to Beware of New Hanging Craze Sweeping Schools
May 2015, Canada: "Choking Game" Warning Issued in Lambton-Kent
May 2015, Canada: Choking Game Kills, Warns Calgary Family After Losing Son
May 2015, Missouri: Resurgence of Old, Deadly Game has Schools and Parents Worried
May 2015, Colorado: Funeral Home Turns Advertising into Public Awareness
May 2015, Iowa: Jackson County Officials Warn Students about Pass Out Game
May 2015, Australia: Kids Dice with Death over Choking Game
April 2015, Utah: Deadly Choking Game and Teens; How School Districts and Police are Facing the Issue
April 2015, Missouri: The Choking Game Isn't a Game! (Teens of America Radio Show) starts at 53:35 min.
April 2015, Missouri: Choking Game is a Dangerous High
April 2015, Missouri: Columbia Public Schools Warning Parents about Dangerous "Pass Out Game"
April 2015, England: Police Warn of Deadly New "Sleeper" Game Sweeping Playgrounds after Pupil Hospitalized
April 2015, Brazil: Article about the Choking Game (in Portugese)
March 2015, Arizona: Kristi's Kids - A Dangerous Game has one Parent Voicing "Choking Concerns"
March 2015, Canada: New Event Helps Kids "Play it Safe"
March 2015, Wisconsin: Dream of Wauwatosa Skatepark is Close to Realization
February 2015, Italy: The Choking Game - a Deadly Game. Analysis of Two Cases of "Self-Strangulation in Young Boys and Review of the Literature
January 2015, Schoolboy, 11, Found Hanged in Bedroom Just Minutes After Telling Mum He was Doing Homework
January 2015, Saudi Arabia: Non-Suicidal Self-Strangulation among Adolescents in Saudi Arabia: Case Series of the Choking Game
January 2015, North Carolina: The Choking Game Resurfacing
January 2015, North Carolina: Stokes County School Officials Warn Parents Bout the Choking Game
January 2015, Idaho: Schools Warn Parents about "Tap Out" Game
January 2015, Nevada: Unconventional Intoxicants include Nutmeg, Choking
January 2015, Texas: Denton County Sheriff Warns of Dangers of Choking Game
January 2015, California: Mother of Choking Game Victim: The Horror Just Stops You Cold"
2014:
December 2014, Utah: Curriculum Addresses Potentially Deadly "Choking Game"
December 2014, Pennsylvania: Brentwood Emergency Worker Honored for Efforts with Youth
November 2014, Yahoo Parenting: The Dangerous Choking Game that Killed Four Kids in One Town
November 2014, Utah: Getting Educated About the Choking Game - Presentation for Parents
November 2014, Pennsylvania: Cinnamon Challenge? Choking Game? Social Media Luring Kids to Try Dangerous Stunts
October 2014, Delaware: Choking Game Warning after Boy, 14, Dies
October 2014, Delaware: DSP Warns Parents, Family of Iowa Boy Discusses "Choking Game"
October 2014, Ohio: 11-Year-Old Girl Dies at Middle School in Ohio
October 2014, Illinois: Advocacy in Action- What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know about the Choking Game
October 2014, England: Headteacher Warns of Dangers of Choking Game Craze
September 2014, Norway: Dangerous "Choke Game" Grips Norwegian Schools
September 2014, Ireland: Passout Challenge - Doctor Warns New Online Fainting Craze Putting Kids Lives At Risk
September 2014, Ireland: GP Highlights the Dangers of "Pass Out" Games Among Teens
September 2014, American Academy of Pediatrics: Children Accidentally Choking Themselves for a Brief "High"
September 2014, Colorado: Choking Game Death has Spurred Calhan Mother's Outreach
September 2014, Iowa: Storm Lake Woman Arrested after Playing "Pass Out"
August 2014, South Carolina: District Warns "Choking Game" is Deadly
August 2014, Colorado: Local Teen Dies from Choking Game
August 2014, Texas: The Choking Game - It's Not a Game if No One Wins
August 2014: Daily News - Deadly Teenage Craze "The Choking Game" Returns on Social Media
August 2014, Missouri: Deadly "Choking Game" Spreads Among Teens on Social Media
July 2014: Psychology Today - The Choking Game is Not Just a Movie
July 2014: CNN Report - The Choking Game: Bringing Awareness to America
July 2014, Georgia: Hundreds of Teens have Died Playing this Old, but Popular Game
June 2014: CNN iReport - "The Choking Game" with Director Lane Shefter Bishop
June 2014, Texas: WFPD Hopes to Raise Awareness of Deadly "Choking Game"
June 2014, Illinois: Barrington School Removes Hooks After Students Caught Playing "Hanging Game"
May 2014, Minnesota: Sheriff Rules Dinsdale Death An Accident
May 2014, Idaho: Non-Profit Brings Awareness to Choking Game
May 2014, Minnesota: Dover-Eyota District Warns About "Deadly Game"
May 2014, Pennsylvania: Moon Area SD Officials, Parents Work to Stop Choking Game
April 2014, Colorado: Deadly Games Popular Among Teens
March 2014, Colorado: One Mom's Mission to Stop the Choking Game
March 2014, Colorado: Mom Believes Son Died from Choking Game, Not Suicide, in Middle School Bathroom
March 2014, Connecticut: Dying to Play the Choking Game
March 2014, Ontario: One year Later - Parents Remember Aja Chandler, Victim of the Choking Game
March 2014, Colorado: How Common is the Choking Game at Carson Middle School?
March 2014, California: Choking Game Spurs Talks at Crystal Middle School
March 2014, Connecticut: Dying to Play the Choking Game
March 2014, New Jersey: Tenafly School District Warns of Passout Game
February 2014, Tennessee: Five Farragut Middle Students Disciplined for Playing Choking Game
February 2014, South Africa: The Choking Game Could be your Child's Last Game - Ever
February 2014, South Africa: Boy (9) Accidentally Hangs Himself
February 2014, Utah: Leadership Conference Just Around the Corner
February 2014, Minnesota: Choking Game Kills MN Man
February 2014, Minnesota: A Deadly High
February 2014, California: Roseville Elementary School Parents Warned About Pass-Out Game
January 2014, Indiana: Family Blames "Choking Game" for Teen's Death
January 2014, England: Schoolboy, 9, Dies After Being Found Hanging in Bedroom Where His Younger Brothers Were Playing
January 2014, Wisconsin: Helpful Couple at Cemetery Dig up Gift for Late Son's Skate Park Dream
January 2014, Pennsylvania: Help for Families - Could my Kids be Playing the Choking Game?
January 2014, South Africa: Did "Game" Take Teens Life?
January 2014, Indiana: Family Blames Choking Game for Son's Death
2013:
December 2013, Oregon: Beaverton Boy Rushed to Hospital after Being Choked at School
November 2013, Tennessee: Bedford Co. Student Hospitalized, Another Charged After Choking Game
November 2013, California: Surfing Champ Shaun Tomson Recounts Losing Son to 'Choking Game'
November 2013, Canada: Chandler Family hopes PSA will help Prevent Choking Game
October 2013, Illinois: RI Man Sentenced in Choking Game
October 2013, Ireland: Are Your Children Playing the Deadly Choking Game?
October 2013, Connecticut: Death by Choking Game
October 2013, Illinois: Ogden School Warns Parents of Choking Game Activity in La Grange
October 2013, Ireland: Teen in Critical Condition after Playing Choking Game - Ireland
October 2013, Florida: Family Warns of Dangers of Auto-erotic Asphyxiation and the Choking Game
October 2013, Utah: A Most Dangerous Game
October 2013, Colorado: Ride to Raise Awareness on Deadly Choking Game
October 2013, Montana: Blaze a Trail- Memorial Event Spreading Awareness about The Choking Game
September 2013, Utah: 11-Year Old Boy Dies in Accidental Hanging on Exercise Equipment
September 2013, Texas: Choking Game Played by Kids Threatens Big Country School Districts
August 2013, Wisconsin: Mother of Choking Game Victim Appears in PSA
August 2013, England: Prime Minister Gives Support to Southwick Mum's Fainting Game Warning
August 2013, Australia: Doing the Funky Chicken for Kicks: The Choking Game Gets Updated
July 2013, New Jersey: Choking Game Talk Planned for July 29 in Flemington
July 2013: Canada: Clinical Pediatrics - The Choking Game and You Tube, A Dangerous Combination
July 2013, England: Parents Warn of 'Fainting Game' Craze After Son Ends Up In Coma
June 2013, North Carolina: Parents Say Son Died Playing Choking Game
June 2013, Washington: Boy, 12, Accidentally Hangs Himself in Central Washington
June 2013, Wisconsin: Principal Takes Action after Seeing Video of Boys Playing Choking Game
June 2013, Australia: Teens Play a Deadly Game - Self-Suffocation Game at School
May 2013, Florida Department of Health: The Choking Game - A Game with Deadly Consequences
May 2013, Kentucky: Kentucky Teen Accidentally Strangles Himself to Death with a Dog Leash
May 2013, Illinois: Teen Charged in Choking Game Incident
May 2013, Minnesota: Girl home from Hospital Warns About the Choking Game
May 2013, Colorado: Another Colorado Springs Student Dies from Playing "Choking Game"
April 2013, Alabama: Huntsville Mother Issues Warning About the Choking Game
April 2013, North Carolina: NC Teen Dies from Choking Game: Risky Behavior Class offered for Parents
April 2013, Colorado: District 20 Grieves Another Boy Lost to Choking Game
April 2013, Illinois: Mom Warns Teens about Deadly Game at Memorial for her Son
April 2013, Illinois: Dozen Youth Treated after Choking Game
March 2013, Scotland: Horror as Schoolboy is Found Hanged
March 2013, England: School Children Playing Deadly Fainting Game
March 2013, Canada: Deadly Choking Game Your Kids might be Playing
March 2013, Canada: Choking Game Believed to Claim the Life of Belle River Girl, Age 11
February 2013, Pennsylvania: Fainting Game Dangerous, CR Superintendent Warns
February 2013, Rhode Island: Choking Game
February 2013, Wisconsin: Parents Warn of Dangerous, Fatal Game
February 2013, Canada: Deadly Game Claiming Kids as Young as 9
January 2013, Pennsylvania: Swiftwater Boy's Death Not a Suicide
January 2013, United Kingdom: "Mischievous" Boy, 11, Accidentally Hanged Himself Trying to Play a Prank on his Father and Brother
January 2013, Idaho: Father Raises Awareness about Dangers of Choking Game
January 2013, Pennsylvania: Bangor School Officials Warn Parents of Student Choking Game
January 2013, Pennsylvania: The Deadly Choking Game - Is Your Child Playing It? How Would You Know? Part 2
January 2013, England: Boy Found Hanged "May Have Been Playing Prank"
January 2013, Florida: Pensacola Boy Dies After Accidental Hanging
January 2013, Wisconsin: Teen's Choking Game Death Leads Mom to Education Effort
2012:
December 2012, Wisconsin: 15-year old dies from choking game
December 2012, Wisconsin: Medical Examiner's Report Confirms Teen Died While Playing Choking Game
December 2012, Wisconsin: Racine Mother Believes Son is Victim of Choking Game
December 2012, England: Schoolboy, 14, Found Hanged "in Fainting Game" was About to Become a Father
November, 2012, Ireland: School Finds No Evidence of "Choking Practice"
November 2012, Utah: Parents fighting deadly choking game epidemic
October 2012, Missouri: This Thursday, 10-11-12, Parents Unite to Raise Awareness of Kids' Choking Game
October 2012, Canada: Mom Says Parents Can Prevent Tragedy Through Education
October 2012, Washington: Choking Game Awareness Day
October 2012, Texas: My Fainting Game Story for KDBC
October 2012, California: Valley middle schoolers caught playing "pass out" game
September 2012, California: California Teen Dies in Freak Accident After Mimicking You-Tube Pass-Out Game
September 2012, Wisconsin: South Milwaukee School Officials Warning of "Choking Game After Student Deathl
September 2012, Canada: Guelph Police - Choking Game has Fatal Consequences
September 2012, California: Auburn Couple Who Lost Son to Choking Game Work for Awareness on Deadly Danger
September 2012, Montana: Lone Rock - Grieving Parents Hope to Prevent More "Choking Game" Deaths
September 2012, California: Teen Dies After Trying "Pass-Out" Game on YouTube
August 2012, Indiana: Family's Anguish as Son, 14, Dies while Playing "Choking Game" as Deadly Internet Craze Sweeps America
August 2012, England: Revealed - 1 in 16 Teenagers has played "Choking Game
August 2012, Wisconsin: The Choking "Game"
July 2012, Wisconsin: A Dangerous Game - Choking Game Tale of Caution
July 2012, Australia: Dangerous Choking Game in School
July 2012, New Zealand: Kids Caught in Choking Game
July 2012, Australia: Choking Game Killed Daughter
June 2012, Belgium: "The Choking Game" Claims First Fatal Belgian Victim
June 2012, California: Couple Who Lost Son to Choking Game Work for Awareness
June 2012, New Zealand: School Choking Game Sparks Death Fear
June 2012, Ohio: Choking - The game that Isn't
June 2012, Massachusetts: California Knock-Out
June 2012, Australia: Choking Game Fad a Danger in Schoolyards
June 2012, Australia: Students Suspended for Playing "Choking Game"
May 2012, Illinois: Wheaton School Warns Parents about Kids Trying Risky "Pass-Out" Game
May 2012, Washington: Does School Surveillance Show "Choking Game" or Assault?
May 2012, Ohio: Deadly "Game" Claiming Teen Lives in Cuyahoga and Surrounding Counties
May 2012, Iowa: Choking Game Concerns One Eastern Iowa District
May 2012, Georgia: Macon Woman Opens Home to 100 Foster Children (one died from Choking Game)
May 2012, New Zealand: Teen's Hanging "Accidental" - Coroner
April 2012, California: Dr. Drew - "The Choking Game is No Game"
April 2012, South Africa: Family Mourns Boy's Heartbreaking Death
April 2012, Idaho: Former Bellevue Boy Dies from Choking Game
April 2012, The Week, The Disturbing Rise of the Deadly Childhood "Choking Game"
April 2012, NewsWise, Teen "Choking Game" Exemplifies Fuzzy-Trace Theory
April 2012, NPR, Deadly "Choking Game" Comes with Big Risks
April 2012, NBC Health News, Kids Who Play "Choking Game" May Take Other Risks Too
April 2012, Oregon: Oregon Youth Say They Played "Choking Game"
April 2012, California: ABC Nightline - Choking Game Spreads on YouTube
April 2012, South Africa: Family Mourns Boy's Heartbreaking Death
April 2012, South Carolina: Shell Point Family Remembers Daughter Through Donations to Animal League
April 2012, Idaho: Former Bellevue Boy Dies from Choking Game
April 2012, Canada: Canada Health, Suicide Rates Among Canadian Girls Rising
March 2012, Texas: "Choking Game" Continues to Affect Area Families
March 2012, Michigan: Your Life Changes in an Instant
March 2012, Faze Magazine, The Fainting Game - Playing with Death
March 2012, Your Teen Magazine, Warning - The Choking Game
February 2012, South Carolina: Jury Awards $1M to South Carolina Teens in Choking Game Lawsuit
February 2012, Massachusetts: Dr. Jeff Hersch - Kids Don't Know the Dangers of the Choking Game
February 2012, Maryland: Parents Warned of Pass-Out Challenge Games
February 2012, Texas: Plano ISD Warns Parents About "Fainting Game"
February 2012, Oregon: It's Dangerous. You Should Stop Doing It
January 2012, Texas: Texas College Study Finds 1 in 7 College Students Have Tried It
January 2012, Hawaii: Students Playing a Potentially Deadly Game
January 2012, Texas: Study Finds Choking Game Prevalent Among Texas Teens
January 2012, Texas: Students Report Playing Dangerous "Choking Game"
January 2012, South Carolina: Jury Awards Large Settlement in "Choking Game" Lawsuit
January 2012, Georgia: Son's Death Puts Mom on Mission
2011:
December 2011, California: Millbrae Teen's Death Blamed on Choking Game
December 2011, Georgia: Kids and the Very Dangerous Choking Game
December 2011, Ohio: Chagrin Falls - Warning to Parents about Breath-Holding Games
December 2011, New York: Choking Game a Deadly High for Today's Teens
December 2011, Illinois: Wood River Death Ruled an Accident
December 2011, Wisconsin: Questions Remain Monday in Death of Young Milwaukee Boy
December 2011, Tennessee: Donate Blood in Memory of Jason Archer and Donate a Toy for a Warren County Child
December 2011, Nebraska: Students Warned that "Knock Out" a Deadly Game
November 2011, England: Shoreham Mum Speaks Out about Deadly "Game" which Killed Son
November 2011, Canada: Why are Teens Choking Themselves to Death?
November 2011, Texas: Choking Game Causes Fear at Area School
November 2011, Arkansas: Three Arkansas Teens have Died from Choking Themselves
October 2011, Utah: Teens Death Draws Attention to the Choking Game
October 2011, Australia: Grieving Parents Warn of Deadly Choking Game that Killed their Daughter
October 2011, Minnesota: Armstrong Students Suspended, Jailed after Choking Game Incident
October 2011, Canada: Saskatoon Family Goes Public after Son Dies from Choking Game
October 2011, Georgia: Mom Mourns Loss of Son to Choking Game
October 2011, Missouri: Teens Playing New Deadly Choking Game
October 2011, California: Mt. Diablo Elementary Sends Email to Parents regarding "The Fainting Game"
October 2011, North Carolina: Family, Friends Remember Concord Youth, Hope to Spread Awareness
October 2011, Ireland: Dangerous Game Played in Schools
October 2011, Minnesota: Choking Incident Leads to Suspensions of Three Seniors
October 2011, South Carolina: "Choking Game" Incident Spurs Safety Concerns
September 2011, Montana: Mother Uses Son's Death to Educate Others about "Choking Game"
September 2011, Singapore: Teens Seen Playing Dangerous Game
September 2011, England: Forced Fainting May Have Caused William Stanesby's Death
September 2011, Hawaii: The Choking Game
September 2011, Ohio: Brimfield - "Choking Game" May Have Led to 11-Year-Old's Death
August 2011, Missouri: Parents Say their Son Died Playing Choking Game
August 2011, Colorado: 12-Year-Old Boy Dies After Playing the Choking Game
August 2011, Ohio: Brimsfield - Choking Game May Have Led to 11-Year Old's Death
August 2011, Colorado: Choking Game Kills 12 Year Old, Parents Urging Awareness
August 2011, Colorado: Boy Dies from Choking Game
August 2011, Kentucky: PRP Teen Dies After Family Believes He Played the "Pass Out Game"
August 2011, South Africa: Riding the Wave of Grief
August 2011, New Zealand: "Choking Game" Death Warning
July 2011, Illinois: Osteopathic Physicians Call for Better Education Among Teachers, Parents and Children About POtentially Fatal "Choking Game"
July 2011, Kentucky: Death Motivates Cousin to Advocacy
June 2011, England: Fainting Game Claimed Life of Tragic 12-year-old
June 2011, Missouri: Fulfilling a Young Man's Vision
June 2011, Idaho: Twin Falls Dad Hopes to Teach Parents about Dangerous Game
June 2011, Georgia: Video Shows Local Teens Trying "Passing Out" Game
May 2011, Minnesota: Maple Grove Teen's Death Prompts Warning about Choking Game
May 2011, Georgia: 10-Year-Old Boy Dies Apparently Playing Choking Game
May 2011, Idaho: Parents Say Twin Falls Boy Died from Playing Choking Game
May 2011, England: Teens Play Deadly Choking Game
May 2011, South Carolina: What Appears to be Suicide Could Be the Choking Game
May 2011, Minnesota: Robbinsdale District Warns Parents of "Choking Game"
April 2011, Alabama: Choking Definitely Not a Game According to Local Parent Who Lost Son
April 2011, Florida: Parents Warned Of Dangerous "Choking Game"
March 2011, Washington: Student Injured in Choking Game
March 2011, Georgia: GA Choking Game Death Spurs Parents to Learn More
March 2011, Wisconsin: Clean Up Day Honors Son
March 2011, Florida: Deadly Choking Game Claims Central Florida Children
February 2011, North Carolina: Students Suspended for Choking Each Other
February 2011, South Carolina: Parents Have Warning After Son Dies from Choking Game
February 2011, Georgia: Parents Discuss Deadly Choking Game After Teen's Death
February 2011, Washington: Families Who Say Their Boys Were Bullied File Lawsuit Against School Districts
February 2011, Alabama: Mother Blames Son's Death on Choking Game
February 2011, California: "Choking Game" Raises Parent's Concern
February 2011, Michigan: Schools - Beware of "Choking Game"
January 2011, Switzerland: French Concern Rises over 11 Year Old's Death by Hanging
January 2011, Utah: Teen's Death Draws Attention to Choking Game
January 2011, Utah: Murray Students Suspended for Playing Pass-Out Game
2010:
December 2010, Russia: Deathly Trips to Parallel Worlds Become Popular with Teenagers
December 2010, Pennsylvania: Nazareth Student Found Delinquent in Choking Case
December 2010, New Zealand: Texts Link to Choking Game
December 2010, Michigan: Boy, 11, Dies from "Choking Game"
December 2010, Tennessee: Pleadings from a Grieving Mom
December 2010, Pennsylvania: Officials - Students Choking to Get High
November 2010, Australia: Choking Game Causes SEQ Student to Collapse Unconscious
November 2010, Colorado: Choking Game Steals Life of 9-year-old
November 2010, Colorado: Choking Game Sparks Another Close Call
November 2010, Nebraska: Victim's Family Fights Choking Game
October 2010, Ohio: Massillon Sixth-Grader Suffered Seizure at School Playing "Tap Out"
October 2010, Montana: Lone Rock - Grieving Parents Hope to Prevent more Choking Game Deaths
October 2010, Washington: San Juan Island School Officials Warn Asphyxiation Game is no "Game"
September 2010, Australia: Boy Dies after "Choking" Game
September 2010, Italy: Dangerous Games, Balconing and Choking Game, are Killing Young People
September 2010, Montana: Missoula Mom Shares Son's "Choking Game" Tragedy
September 2010, England: Hanged 13-Year-Old Boy's Mother Warns of "Choking Game"
September 2010, California: Choking Game Death in Auburn Stuns Teen's Family
September 2010, England: Sian, 13, Killed by "Rebirth" Choking
September 2010, Indiana: Dangerous Game Kills Hoosier Teen
August 2010, Australia: Teens Toy with Death Online
August 2010, England: Boy, 13, Accidentally Dies Attempting New Internet Craze "Choking Game"
July, 2010, United Arab Emirates: In the High Lane: Can of Worms
July 2010,Canada: Mother Warns Parents of Dangerous Game
July 2010, Illinois: Two Teens Die in Deadly Asphyxiation Games in Past Two Weeks in Chicago Area
June 2010, Canada: Quebec Family Mourns Death of 12-Year-Old Son
June 2010, Tennessee: The Dangerous Lives of "Tweens and Teens" - Part One: The Choking Game
May 2010, California: Santa Paula School Officials Warn Parents about "Choking Game"
May 2010, Texas: Choking Game Takes the Life of West Texas Girl
April 2010, Nebraska: Huffington Post: "Choking Game" Alarms Police, Parents
April 2010, California: Boy Accidentally Hangs Self in Choking Game
March 2010, Nebraska: Nebraska Boy Dies Playing Choking Game
March 2010, Alabama: The "Choking Game"
March 2010, Nebraska: Nebraska Boy Dies Playing "The Choking Game"
March 2010, Guam: Choking Game is a Worry for Guam
March 2010, Dr. Oz: The Choking Game, Part 1
March 2010, Maine: Bangor Doctor says Choking Game "Common"
March 2010, Alaska: Choking Game
March 2010, Louisiana: Choking Game Becoming a Deadly Teen Trend
March 2010, New Zealand: Playground Choking Game Reaches NZ Schools
February 2010, New York: Many Doctors Unaware of the Choking Game
February 2010, Texas: Safety Officials Warn Against "Choking Game"
February 2010, Washington: Kingston Teen Jailed for Putting Stranglehold on Fellow Student
February 2010, Michigan: Experiment Gone Wrong May have Claimed "Gentle Giant"
January 2010, England: Schoolgirl, 10, Accidentally Hanged Herself with Dressing Code as she Danced to Lady Gaga
January 2010, England: Teenagers Risk Death in Internet Strangling Craze
January 2010, Texas: Teens' "Choking Game" a Concern for Parents
January 2010, Maine: A Dangerous Game and Warning to Parents
January 2010, New York: Olean Officials: Choking No Game
January 2010, England: Time: A Dangerous Pasttime for Teens: The Choking Game
January 2010, Oregon: "Choking Game" Dangers Cited
January 2010, England: Shocking Videos of Teenagers Choking and Strangling Each Other
2009:
December 2009: American Medical News: "Choking Game" needs to be on Physicians' Radar
December 2009, California: The "Choking Game" can be a Deadly One
December 2009: Early News - Docs Unaware of "Choking Game?"
December 2009, Germany: Experts Warn Parents of "Fainting Game" after Teen Death
December 2009, New Jersey: Warren County Teen Dies of Brain Injury Believed to be Sustained During Choking Game
November 2009, Wisconsin: Family Seeks to Give Kids Bright Future
November 2009, Washington: Kalama Police Investigating Teen Choking Game Following YouTube Posting
November 2009, Nebraska: Parents, Teachers Warned to Watch for Symptoms of Auto Asphyxia
October 2009, Russia: Choking Game Causing Death and Brain Damage
October 2009, Connecticut: Choking Game has Parents on Alert
October 2009, Texas: Parents try to Spread Word on "Game" that Kills
October 2009: Injury Prevention - Asphyxial Games of "The Choking Game" a Potentially Fatal Risk Behavior
September 2009, Michigan: Deadly High - "Choking Game" Leads to Accidental Death of 13-year old Grand Blanc Student
September 2009, England: Tragedy of Choking Game Lad
August 2009, Australia: The Choking Game - Hunter Teens in Deadly Search of High
July 2009, Wales: Boy, 13, Recovering after Playground Choking Game Goes Wrong
July 2009, New Jersey: Deadly Kids' "Choking Game" Hits Close to Home in Warren County
July 2009, Wisconsin: Columbus Teen Dies After "Choking Game"
July 2009: Clinical Pediatrics - The Choking Game and YouTube, A Dangerous Combination
June 2009, Australia: Teenagers Fall for Fainting Game
June 2009, Switzerland: Lausanne Teenagers' Deaths from Scarf Game, Family Goes Public
April 2009: Today Show - Heartbroken Dad Warns of Teen "Choking Game"
April 2009, North Carolina: Grieving Parents Warn about "Choking Game"
March 2009, Georgia: Choking Game Death
March 2009, Ohio: Tri-Valley Says Choking Incident on Bus Part of "Game"
March 2009, North Carolina: Teen-Produced PSA Warns About "Choking Game"
February 2009, Colorado: Mother Aims for Awareness of Dangerous Youth Trend
February 2009, Indiana: The Choking Game - Are your Kids Playing?
February 2009: Injury Prevention - Asphyxial Games or "the choking game" a potentially fatal risk behavior
January 2009, Australia: Teens Risk Life in Choking Game
January 2009, Texas: Study - Many Doctors Unaware of "Choking Game"
2008:
December 2008, Montana: Missoula Mom Shares Son's Choking Game Tragedy
December 2008, Connecticut: Connecticut Officials Say Middle-Schoolers Played Choking Game
December 2008, North Carolina: North Carolina Teen Dies Playing Choking Game
November 2008, Iowa: Fathers' Descriptions of Sons' Deaths Spread the Alarm About Suicide, "The Choking Game"
September 2008, Colorado: Girl's Death Gets Fresh Look with New Details
August 2008, New Jersey: Boy, 8, Dies after Hanging
August 2008, Nebraska: Choking Game Suspected in Boy's Death
August 2008, South Africa: "Choking Game" Claims Teen
July 2008, Colorado: In Memory of Samantha Renee Marquez
June 2008, Florida: Choking Game Blamed in Suffocation of St. Pete Girl, 11
May 2008, Arizona: The Choking Game
May 2008, Wisconsin: Game Can Lead to Injury, Death
May 2008, Canada: Some 79,000 Ont. Students Play Choking Game - Survey
April 2008, Oklahoma: The Dangerous Choking Game
April 2008, Oregon: School Reacts to Choking Game
April 2008, Stars & Stripes: School Officials - Choking Anything But a Game
March 2008, South Africa: Boy Chokes to Death on "Game"
March 2008, Ohio: Mourning Ohio Dad - School 'Net Surfing Killed Son
March 2008, Louisiana: Teachers Use News Story to Warn Students About "The Choking Game"
February 2008, Indiana: The Choking Game - How Young are the Players?
February 2008, Washington: TV Interview About My Child Dying from the Choking Game
February 2008, South Carolina: Study Focuses on Deaths from "Choking Game"
February 2008, Texas: Parents Warned of Dangerous "Game"
February 2008, Arkansas: Safety Alert-Parents Beware of Children's Deadly Game
February 2008, Canada: Canada Looks into Choking Game Deaths
February 2008, Florida: One Mom's Story of the Fatal Choking Game-CDC Reports 82 Deaths
February 2008, Reuters-U.S. says 82 Youths have Died in Choking Game
February 2008, Canada: It's No Game
February 2008, Washington: Mom Still Grieves for Son Lost to Choking Game
January 2008, Canada: Students Kicked Off Team after Teaching Players the Choking Game
January 2008, Sweden: Boy Dies after Playing Choking Game
January 2008, Georgia: Central GA Teens Playing Deadly Game
January 2008, Kentucky: A Dangerous Game - Parents Spread Word after Son's Death
2007:
December 2007, India: It was Choking Game Gone wrong in India, Say Parents of Mumbai Boy
December 2007, Iowa: Zach's Mistake - 15-Year-Old Dies Playing The Choking Game
December 2007, England: Girl's Hanging Death Accidental
October 2007, New Hampshire: Dangerous Game Worries NH Mothers
October 2007, Ohio: Students Suspended for Playing Choking Game at Gym Class
October 2007, Illinois: A Warning to Parents
September 2007, California: Deadly Game - What May Seem Harmless to Teens is Killing Them
August 2007, Peru: Two Children Die Playing The Choking Game in Lima, Peru
August 2007, South Africa: Durbs' Magazine, The Choking Game
July 2007, South Africa: Boy's Death Raises Spectre of Choking Game
July 2007, Korea: Fainting Games Can Be Deadly
June 2007, France: French Children Risk Lives in Strangling Game
June 2007, Kentucky: Dangerous Game
June 2007, Canada: Mother Warns Others About Choking Game
May 2007, Kentucky: Jeff Walk Honors 13-Year-Old
May 2007, Pennsylvania: Dedication at Tarentum Skate Park Honors Teen
April 2007, Texas: The Choking Game
April 2007, Montana: Health Official Warns of Choking Game
April 2007, Kentucky: Heartland Parents Learn About the Choking Game
April 2007, Missouri: Parents Say Their Son Died Playing The Choking Game
March 2007. Kentucky: Investigators Think 8th Grader May Have Died Playing The Choking Game
March 2007, Texas: Teenager Casts Light on a Shadowy Game
March 2007, California: Andre Anderson (16) was Found Hanged from a Tree in a Park After Playing the Choking Game
March 2007, Nebraska: Choking Game Comes with Deadly Consequences
February 2007, Georgia: Parents Warn that Game Kills
February 2007, Pennsylvania: Guardian Talks about Highlands Teen's Death from Choking Game
February 2007, Ohio: 12-Year-Old Newark Boy Dies During Choking Game
January 2007, Maine: Choking Game a Matter of Life and Death
January 2007, Nebraska: Parents Be Aware - The Choking Game Poses Dangerous Threat to Local Youth
January 2007, New York: Dangerous Experiments Explode on YouTube with Fire, Drugs, Choking
2006:
December 2006, Washington: Child Dies in Choking Accident
November 2006, Pennsylvania: Risks of Choking Game Often Unknown
November 2006, Ohio: The Choking Game
November 2006, Canada: Mom Speaks Out Against Choking Game
November 2006, Missouri: Barnhart Mother Speaks Out About Son's Death from Choking Game
November 2006, Missouri: Mother Furious About Choking Game; Son Choked Unconscious
October 2006, Pennsylvania: Deadly Teen Game Ends Boy's Life; Family Speaks Out to Warn Others
October 2006, Illinois: Woman who Lost Her Son Knows Its Deadly Consequences
September 2006, Alaska: Summit Gives Tips to Keep Kids Safe
August 2006, New York: DA Wright Warns Parents of Deadly Choking Game
August 2006, Texas: Another Senseless Choking Game Death, This Time in Spring, Texas
July 2006, Wales: Teenager's Ligature "Test" Death
June 2006, Canada: Choking Death Prompts Bracelet Campaign
June 2006, Ohio: Games to Play with Drug Warriors
June 2006, Arizona: Teen Choking Game has Fatal Consequences
May 2006, Ohio: Deputies Warn of Deadly Choking Game
May 2006, Canada: Choking Game Went Too Far, Mom Says
May 2006, Pennsylvania: Teens Talk Openly About Choking Game
May 2006, Washington: Auburn Student Warns of Choking Game Dangers
May 2006, Ohio: Student Athlete Dies after Playing Choking Game
May 2006, New Hampshire: Police Proactive on Internet Dangers, Choking Game
April 2006, Canada: Child's Play Can Be Fatal
April 2006, Illinois: Another Choking Game Death - Why It's So Important to Know the Warning Signs
April 2006, Indiana: Choking Game Ignites Fears
April 2006, West Virginia: W. Virginia Student Dies during Choking Game
April 2006, Maryland: Game Causes Teen's Death
April 2006, South Africa: Matthew Thomson - RIP
March 2006, Canada: Local School Warns Parents of Dangerous Game
March 2006, Ohio: Coroner Warns of Choking Game's Dangers
March 2006, Ohio: Teen Dies in Possible Choking Game Incident
March 2006, Pennsylvania: High School Declines to Publish Report of Choking Game Victim from Lawrence
March 2006, California: Kids are Killing Themselves Chasing a "Natural High"
March 2006, Colorado: Teammates Remember Boy Who Died Playing Choking Game
March 2006, New Hampshire: Police Issue Warnings about Choking Game
February 2006, Pennsylvania: Following Choking Game Death, Mt. Lebanon Families, Experts Tackle High Risk Behavior
February 2006, Pennsylvania: Choking Game Blamed in Death of Mount Lebanon Teen
February 2006, Tennessee: Child Dies After Playing "Hanging Game"
February 2006, Idaho: Choking; a Dangerous Game with Deadly Possibilities
February, 2006, North Carolina: Choking Game has No Winner
January 2006, Canada: School Principals, Police Respond to Choking Game
January 2006, California: Dangerous Choking Game Claims Life of Young Girl
January 2006, Georgia: Choking Game Fatal to Teens
2005:
December 2005, Arizona: Teen Death Blamed on Deadly Game
December 2005, Ohio: "Gasp" Game can Turn Deadly for Youths
December 2005, New Mexico: The Choking Game
December 2005, California: Dangerous Game Among Kids a Concern
November 2005, Texas: Deadly Choking Game Becoming Popular with Kids
November 2005, Washington: Newsweek, Middle Schoolers - Tragic Results from a Deadly Game
November 2005, Pennsylvania: Boy Dies from Playing Choking Game
November 2005, California: Sasha is Dead, but Why?
November 2005, Kansas: Teens Dying from the Choking Game
October 2005, Colorado: Boulder Schools Worry Choking Game Could Catch On
October 2005, Maine: Parents Urged to Discuss "Choking Game"; Noble High School Sends Memo Home After a 17-Year-Old Senior Accidentally Kills Himself
October 2005, Wisconsin: Boy Dies after Playing Choking Game
October 2005: Poynter Monday Edition - The Choking Game
October 2005, Washington: Choking - A "Game" that Steals Young Lives
September 2005, Washington: Grays Harbor County Youth Injured in Choking Game
September 2005, Washington: Renton Schools Warn of Choking Game After Student Dies
September 2005, Washington: Schools Warn About Self-Choking
September 2005, North Carolina: Mother Suspects Choking Game Cause of Son's Death
September 2005, California: Dr. Phil, The Deadly Teen Choking Game - A Mom in Mourning
August 2005, Ohio: Teen Dies After Choking Himself to Get (Head) Rush
August 2005, Massachusetts: Choking Game's Deadly Lure
August 2005: People Magazine, Deadly Game
August 2005: Today Parents, Kids are Passing Out for a Deadly High
August 2005, Kansas: A Fatal Game
August 2005, California: Choking Game Claims Life of One Californian Teenager
July 2005, Idaho: ABC 20/20, Choking Game is Deadly Child's Play
July 2005: CBS Early Show, Choking Game a Deadly Trend
July 2005, Pennsylvania: Choking Game Could Cost Young Lives
July 2005: USA Today, Suffocation Games Among Kids Turn Fatal
July 2005, Idaho: Idaho Boy Dies while Playing Choking Game
June, 2005, Israel: Fainting Game Almost Ends in Tragedy
2003:
December 2003, England: Accidental Hanging After Argument
2002:
February 2002, Oregon: Asphyxiation is No Way to get a Thrill, Teens Are Told
2001:
September 2001, Injury Prevention, Self Strangulation by Hanging from Cloth Tower Dispensers in Canadian Schools
1999:
March 1999, England: Eton Boy Died After "Fainting Game"
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Since 2021, state and federal legislatures appear to have finally awakened to this issue and have started both to investigate (via hearings) and proposing laws, though the hurdle of Section 230 appears almost insurmountable.
Click on the links below to learn more of what has been (and continues to be) uncovered with respect to social media’s harm in general but particularly as it relates to the harms it causes to our kids, as well as both federal and state attempts to hold social media platforms accountable.
2021:
Protecting Kids Online led by Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety and Data Security
The Facebook Files a Wall Street Journal Investigation of internal research showing how Facebook has amplified hate speech and misinformation and how Instagram has harmed teen mental health. (Subscription required to read the actual WSJ investigation. A summary can be found HERE)
60 Minutes Segment: “Whistleblower” Facebook is misleading the public on progress against hate speech, violence misinformation.
Protecting Kids Online: Testimony from a Facebook Whistleblower Frances Haugen’s testimony in front of the third Senate subcommittee hearing candidly discussing this being Facebook’s “Big Tobacco moment.”
Protecting Kids Online: Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube Executives from Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube discuss safety features for young people on their apps. But when grilled by Senators (about safety features as well as unsolicted disturbing content showing up in social media feeds), the social media representatives side-stepped questions and some outright denied that their platforms maintained and promoted harmful content to our youth.
52 State Attorneys General form a Bi-Partisan Coalition to take aim at social media giants to hold them accountable.
10 State Attorneys General launch investigation into Meta-owned Instagram’s impact on kids regarding the potential harms caused by this platform.
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Erik’s Cause engages in awareness-building by sharing advocacy links and partnering with aligned organizations working to highlight online harms and social media challenge risks. They support broader efforts to influence policy, elevate public understanding, and spur safer digital environments for kids. This work connects community, education, and policy levels around online safety.
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These tragedies began well before Erik and sadly still continue ...Below are media articles and reports from across the globe
Many incidents are never publicized and deaths are often misclassified as suicide
(UPDATES STILL IN PROGRESS)
Prior to 2023, these news links primarily pertain to pass out challenges.
As of 2023, we will also add salient articles re legislative advocacy efforts. For online harms and social media challenges in general, CLICK HERE.