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Community Corner

The Choking Game

Have you ever heard of the Choking game or Blackout? Well, like most parents this game is unheard of, but among boys between the ages of 11-16 it is well known.

The choking game is a game used to cut off the air supply to the brain in order to get a subtle high. Many children see this as a fun game but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has concluded that over 70 kids have died while playing this game over the last 10 years. That's more than seven children per year.

When I was a child, the most we would do is hold our breath, but today children are literally choking themselves with their own hands or hanging themselves with belts or ties.

About a week ago in Johns Creek, a 12-year-old boy by the name of Brent Swygert tied a belt around his neck and proceeded to play the choking game and died. Like many other parents, his mother was unaware that this game even existed.

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The best thing you can do as a parent is talk to your children about this game. This is a deadly game that is seen as fun, but has dangerous consequences. As parents we can only warn our children of what we are aware of... Add this to your awareness chart.

If you are radical about bringing a greater level of awareness to combat the Choking game, then share this information with your child's , principal, teacher, counselor etc. The more awareness the more we can inform parents and educate students. And hopefully save a young life.

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For more information about the choking game and ways to intervene visit www.GaspInfo.com

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