Either alone or in groups, propelled by curiosity, peer pressure or the tragically wrong assumption that it's safe, the kids take part in the "choking game" by restricting blood flow to the brain - sometimes until they pass out.
New Jersey parents are getting an unwelcome lesson in the games children play after a Somerset County youngster died from playing what's known as the "choking game."
Alternately called "knock-out," "airplaning or "space monkey," the activity involves children, typically between the ages of 9 and 16, attempting to strangle themselves to experience a rush of euphoria when they regain consciousness.
Either alone or in groups, propelled by curiosity, peer pressure or the tragically wrong assumption that it's safe, the kids restrict blood flow to the brain - sometimes until they pass out.
Or until they die.
"The early-adolescent brain does not process information in the same manner as an adult brain, and so children in this age group are not able to fully understand the serious consequences that might result," said Nick Markarian, superintendent in the Bernards school district.
In a letter to parents last week, Markarian urged parents to talk with their youngsters about the fatal nature of the game.
He also suggested that adults watch for tell-tale signs that their offspring might be experimenting with the dangerous activity: bloodshot eyes, broken blood vessels on the face and eyelids, mood swings and bruises around the neck.
What parents should know about the deadly 'choking game'
The game is particularly treacherous because it requires no special equipment - a belt is always handy, but a strong pair of hands or a plastic bag works just as well - and word of its allure travels quickly.
What's more, thousands of "how to play" videos tempt vulnerable teens and pre-teens with easy access and step-by-step instructions.
In a survey published by the website Erik's Cause, 90 percent of kids who played the game heard about it from their peers.
Meanwhile, the survey also noted that 93 percent of parents were unaware that these so-called "pass-out" activities even existed.
This is a classic case of "What you don't know can kill you" - or, sadder still, your kids.
Like Bernards, Princeton public schools are addressing the problem after parents at John Witherspoon Middle School overheard students talking about the game, centraljersey.com reported.
Erik's Cause points out that between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. are the peak hours when youngsters experiment with risky behaviors, and that without blood and oxygen, it takes only three minutes for brain damage to start.
Hooray to the school districts that have already begun alerting families. Education is the best weapon against this deadly activity.
Parents, talk to your kids about this. Start today. As Erik's Cause warns, even smart, strong kids can make dumb choices with deadly consequences.
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