Teachable Moment Tuesday
This week I will continue the discussion from two weeks ago regarding the Choking Game. This week I've included some warning signs and a list of other names in which children and adolescents refer to the "game".
Warning Signs
- Discussion of the game or its aliases
- Bloodshot eyes and/or other sign of eye stress
- Marks on the neck which may be hidden by turtlenecks, scarves, or turned-up collars.
- Wearing high-necked shirts, even in warm weather
- Complaints of severe headaches, observation of loss of concentration, and flushed face
- Disorientation after spending time alone
- Change in personality marked by increased and uncharacteristic agitation or hostility
- Unexplained presence of dog leashes, choke collars, bungee cords, ropes, scarves, and belts tied to furniture or doorknobs
- A thud in the bedroom or against a wall—meaning a fall in cases of solitary practice.
- Any questions about the effects, sensations or dangers of strangulation.
Aliases
- Pass-out game
- Space monkey
- Suffocation roulette
- Scarf game
- The American dream
- Fainting game
- Something dreaming game
- Purple hazing
- Blacking out/blackout
- Dream game
- Flat liner
- California choke
- California High
- Space cowboy
- Airplaning
- Purple dragon
- Cloud nine
- Funky Chicken
- Tingling
- Gasp
Why are children and adolescent engaging in this behavior?
According to G.A.S.P, an international not-for profit created to put an end to the Choking Game, some children and adolescents do it for the high, which can become addictive. Others, continues G.A.S.P., indicates that it is “cool” and risky. G.A.S.P. reports most of the victims who died from playing the Choking Game were active, intelligent, stable children and adolescents who thought it was a safe alternative to the use of alcohol and other drugs.
So, what can we do to prevent and intervene this behavior?
1. Start talking and discuss the risk.
Point your kids in the right direction— when they're old they won't be lost.
Proverbs 22:6 MSG
2. Teach them about their identity in Christ.
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9 NKJV
3. Support them, let them know you love them and care for them.
Do everything in love.
1 Corinthians 16:14 NIV
4. If you identify there are deeper issues and/or concerns seek help from pastoral or professional (godly) counselors.
Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 11:14 AMP
5. And above all, PRAY!!!
Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV
And I had taught my boy Gabriel the above... Two years before Gabriel died as a result of the 'choking game', While I was being babtized he came forward and choose to be as well, on his own.
ReplyDeleteIt is my belief that God saved Gabriel from something far worse... and also that God called Gabe home for a purpose I've yet to have revealed. My son was such an amazing, loving, empathatic, kind, daring, bold little boy ... yet he bought the lie of this activity, that it's not illegal, it's not drugs or alcohol...'it can't hurt you'.... while each time it is done, brain damage occurs.
Factual information and bringing this deadly, high risk, thrill seeking activiy out of the dark can and will save lives...
Sarah Pacatte, Gabriel Mordecai's Mom
http://StillLovingMYGabriel.com
http://GASPinfo.com Games Adolescents Shouldn't Play
Sarah, thank you so much for sharing your story. I began to feel that perhaps this may not be a relevant topic. However, my heart's desire was to expose this deadly activity. My prayer is that parents and people in general don't have the "not my kid" or "no one I know will" syndrome.
ReplyDelete