I just read a post over at Pastor2Youth.com on the choking game. The article cited was from LifeWay. It’s an interesting read on the choking game. I found out 7 of my middle school guys were doing it at the Green. Needless to say it has been dealt with…for now. Here’s a clip.
Dr. Thomas Andrew, Pediatrician and New Hampshire Chief Medical Examiner, says, “The danger [with the choking game] is pretending it doesn’t exist. Kids already know this game; it’s the parents who are clueless. You have to talk about it. It’s not as if you’re telling them something they don’t already know.”
How do you deal with this one when it and if it comes up in your group? I talked my guys about the risks of death involved in this. I did this when I was in high school (14 years ago) and I understand why they do it…to a point. It’s a euphoric feeling…that is passing out and coming back to. It feels like you have cheated death for a split second. The problem is, of course, it only takes one time for the death card to be dealt on your life (so to speak).
syp
Thank you for writing on this. Even the “best” of Christian families can be impacted by this horrendous game. We know. Two years ago today our 16 year old son died from this. He was a good kid who loved the Lord, even talked of going into missions, and was homeschooled. Yet, he learned, and tried, and died. Please continue talking about this. We hope & pray every day our son’s death can save another’s life.
Loni,
wow. I am sorry to hear about your loss. I did, and will continue to talk with our kids about it. I kind of devoted last week to the whole thing. We had a tremendous response but hopefully the kids will take it to heart. Would you mind sharing you story? We can do it via email. I just wanna know all I can.
There’s a great chance that your child or grandchild, niece or nephew has already heard of the Choking Game/ the Pass Out Game and has tried it or may be enticed to play it. Children as young as 6 years old have explained it to shocked parents. They don’t know the deadliness or the dangers of permanent disabling brain damage, they think it’s fun, safe and silly. Please help by signing the petition below. The life you save in the future may be a child who means the world to you.
A Petition for D.A.R.E to incorporate Asphyxia Activity into the cirricula has begun to circulate – Show D.A.R.E we insist on keeping our children safe – Sign Here http://www.TheDBFoundation.com
Please feel free to post this link on your own blog or website and forward it to your address book! The more signatures, the bigger the impact!