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The Choking Game a.k.a. Space Monkey

Submitted by Trinket Talks on Mon, 2005-11-28 21:19. current events

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, more than one of my local news stations began their broadcast with a story about the Choking Game . It got my attention because I never figured the word choking and the word game could be placed with each other. The Choking Game or Space Monkey is becoming a popular trend among younger children (from the ages of 10 to about 14)- they are using it to achieve some type of high. Personally, these stories have completely freaked me out.

CBS news has reported about two kids, ages ten and thirteen, that have been found dead with a rope around their necks. Although their parents initially believed their children committed suicide, they later found, they were simply playing a game. Sam, brother of the thirteen year old said to CBS, "It's hard to describe how it feels. It's kinda like, just, like, somewhere not on earth, but you're just dreaming, kind of. But then it only lasts for a few seconds and when you wake up … you don't know where you are or what's going on." Sam also said he and his brother had played it several times.

The article also describes the case of Chelsea Dunn who hanged herself from a closet while playing the Choking Game. It seems that Chelsea's death could have been avoided because earlier video recorders caught many of her peers choking each other in the hallways. The young girls caught on tape were suspended for their activity.

They were simply suspended. Why wasn't more action taken- why did the school not sit these kids down and really talk to them. The school could have warned Chelsea's parents- it could have been prevented. It blows my mind that ten year old children need to find a high- that their lives are so uneventful that they resort to hanging themselves.

There is not a lot of information about the Choking Game on the internet. Hopefully, this can provide some clarity. Has anyone else heard about this? or know anyone that does this?

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My son also died playing this "game" - & died

Submitted by Loni (not verified) on Mon, 2005-11-28 23:32.

Last reported there were 500 deaths in 2004 of this "choking game". Kids think nothing will hurt them - this is not a drug - just one time, etc. My son was one of them. He was only 16. And despite losing him and going through this awful pain, yes I am so thankful to have had him - to have loved him - than not having him at all. He was a "good kid". He would have never tried drugs. He loved life - loved his 9 siblings - and most of all loved God. He had compassion for people. But, he learned of a game - this game he lost - lost his life. He tried the "choking game". His 11 year old brother found him hanging. His 15 year old brother cut him down. We are at almost a year since his death, and it's still very hard. This game is dangerous, foolish, and mostly likely WILL cause death. It's not worth the risk. I know. I miss my son.

Matthew's Story

Journaling through the Valley Blog

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I've seen the game

Submitted by Shutterbug on Tue, 2005-11-29 00:36.

It's bad because I've seen the game before. It's really not a joke. In middle school people would do it at recess. No one realizes the risks at the time, they just kept doing it. The school caught some people and repremanded them, but the parents never heard about it (at least from what I know).

To Loni- thank you for your amazing story. You are a truly strong and caring person. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

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A mission

Submitted by Loni (not verified) on Tue, 2005-11-29 01:41.

It's not being strong. It's a matter of trying to make "good" come out of "bad" and if it means lives can be saved because of my son's death, it sure will help our pain. I've gotten numerous e-mails from parents who sat down their children and found out they knew about it, and some had tried it. It's God's strength - not of my own.
Loni
Matthew's Story
Journaling through the Valley Blog

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This story was on every

Submitted by Trinket Talks on Tue, 2005-11-29 00:44.

This story was on every local news station in Philly tonight. If anyone was able to see it, please share whatever information they had.

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what is next?

Submitted by Ritzy Charly on Tue, 2005-11-29 11:03.

In my middle school we would play a version of this but it was called the sleeper came and instead of a rope someone choked you. Looking back I can not beleive how dumb this was. There are always new games and stupid things coming out that children do. Just becuase you dont take drugs does not mean you are safe from anything.

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That's the game

Submitted by Shutterbug on Tue, 2005-11-29 11:56.

That's exactly the game kids at my school would play. People would crowd around just to watch. The person would hyperventalate and then someone would start to choke them. The child would eventually pass out and luckily be recovered, but still. It's a dangerous game and something in the way of informing parents needs to be done. It isn't enough to express grief after something terrible happens.

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It's a DEADLY game

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 2005-12-01 12:47.

My 11 year old son died participating in this activity. I’d never heard or seen anything about this insanity kids were doing. After his death- his friends came forward with information about him playing. If I’d known and had the chance to talk to Dylan about it - things might be different. This game will continue to thrive until we, as parents, are informed and empowered to discuss with our children the dangers of the choking game. Would you risk your child’s life on a simple question? Ask your kids if they know about the dangers of this DEADLY game - continue with ongoing discussions. Be informed-be empowered, save a child’s life!

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It's a DEADLY game

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 2005-12-01 12:51.

My 11 year old son died participating in this activity. I’d never heard or seen anything about this insanity kids were doing. After his death- his friends came forward with information about him playing. If I’d known and had the chance to talk to Dylan about it - things might be different. This game will continue to thrive until we, as parents, are informed and empowered to discuss with our children the dangers of the choking game. Would you risk your child’s life on a simple question? Ask your kids if they know about the dangers of this DEADLY game continue with ongoing discussions. Be informed, be empowered, save a child’s life!

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Getting High from Passing Out

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 2005-12-01 13:12.

I hesitate to even say this but as an elementary school child i did this too... 5 or sixth grade.. i'd forgotten about it..but we did it to ourselves. you hyper-ventalate and then grab yourself around the sternum and hold your breath until you pass out... it does give you an other worldly sorta floating feeling as young kids we thought this was cool...A friend taught me how to do it... we would take turns catching each other...

pure insanity---i can't believe other people still do this--we were bored ... and left to our own devices..

i'm almost 50!--

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Scary

Submitted by Tech Goddess on Thu, 2005-12-01 13:18.

We talked to our 10 year old about this and thankfully, he hadn't heard of anyone doing this nor had he tried it himself.

I'm so glad to find out about this and thankful to those of you who shared your stories with us about your own children who were victims. There are so many things that you have to be aware of. It's good not to go into this parenting thing without information.

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Ahhh!

Submitted by Glamourous on Thu, 2005-12-01 17:34.

My empathy censors just screamed bloody murder!

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They're still screaming, damnit!

Submitted by Glamourous on Thu, 2005-12-01 17:36.

I feel like I'm going into shock... I feel the rope around my neck... and it hurts, and I tense up... OH MY GOD! This is so scary! When I hear these stories I get so squeamish... I feel faint, and I try to avoid them as much as possible. I'm glad you shared, but I'm going to be feeling sick for a while.

Something must be done!

Glam

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YES! Something MUST be done.

Submitted by Loni (not verified) on Sun, 2005-12-04 22:04.

TALK, TALK, TALK! Parents need to know. Your local schools need to know. Your local newspaper, radio and TV need to know. On my webpage, there is a link to "what you can do." Help share this, to prevent other deaths. Your envisioning it is horrible - but imagine us finding our son/brother. That is a nightmare vision to never leave.

Loni

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Loni -

Submitted by Glamourous on Mon, 2005-12-05 21:26.

I am so sorry for your loss. I will do what I can in my home city, Saint Louis, MO, when I return for winter break. I don't think there has been much if any publicity there.

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neonpurplesilence@wapda.com

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 2005-12-15 03:16.

I hate to say this but........I'm still doing this. When I was nine, I slept over a friend's house and she showed me how to do it with a pillow. We held pillows over eachothers faces. Then I kept doing it on my own in different ways. I got a high from it and a kind of pleasure I can't admit or explain. I really wish someone had warned me...because in my life, it has become addictive. Almost every night I play this 'game' to some extent, and I have noticed an inability to remember words and things, maybe its because of this.....sometimes I use a cord or belt to hang myself from a doorknob or chair. It's hard for me to talk about even though no one knows who I actually am. I wish there were more resources for people who do this and want to stop....if anyone wants to know more about what to look for e-mail me at neonpurplesilence@wapda.com

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Choking game

Submitted by Sharron (not verified) on Fri, 2006-01-13 09:47.

This is very dangerous, you need to stop this and get some help for yourself. I'm sure that your friends and family would be devastated if anything should happen to you. You have so much to live for. I have a web site http://www.deadlygameschildrenplay.com/en/home.asp That I would like to have a story from you on how this game has become addictive. I need this information to go to the schools to start teaching this. Would you please help?

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dr.phil show

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 2005-12-21 15:47.

i've just heard about this today. I was watching tv. and a commercial came on for the dr. phil show.. and it was a story about the choking game.. and i couldnt believe what i heard. I have had 2 friends pass die from suicide.. and they both hung them selves. And i dont understand why someone would want to play a game that could take there lives away. i knew that suicide was becoming more eventful with teens today but goodness.. honestly this game makes me sick. And really i want to know more about this game. and anything that i can do to prevent this game or any deaths from happening to young teens. because no family nor friends should have to lay a friend or faimly member to reset because of a stupid game someone thought was funny.. If you happen to find any other websites or any more information about this game please send me any that you can..

Sincerely
Sarah Yax

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Re: Dr. Phil Show

Submitted by Nathan (not verified) on Wed, 2005-12-21 16:54.

Watching it right now. I never knew that it was that widespread of a game. I never even heard that there was such a thing. I think I know why someone would do something like that though. As is anything that feels somewhat good or different (ie. First time getting drunk, getting high for the first time, etc.), you never want to do it more than once. It becomes more of an addiction than a game. I'd never do something like that, but if you look at it that way, it makes a little more sense. Trust me, I'm not saying that it is a good way to act or that actions like that shouldn't be condemned. It's the exact opposite. The parents should do something about it. Keep an eye on what your child is doing...before it's too late.

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Loads of information and links

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 2005-12-22 09:01.

if you want more information - go here and you'll find it
www.Dylan-the-boy-Blake.com

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Choking game

Submitted by Sharron (not verified) on Fri, 2006-01-13 09:42.

We have created a web site to deal witht the lack of information about this terrible game. http://www.deadlygameschildrenplay.com/en/home.asp
It is dedicated to my Son Jesse. He was 12 years old when he died this year. There is also a site http://stop-the-choking-game.com/
There is alot of information on both of these sites.
Sharron, Jesse's mom

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The Choking Game

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 2006-01-27 21:48.

................. Demand that your child's school is aware of this 'game'! Children are still dying from it! This 'game' is taught to other children by children! It is often, oh yes, very often it is taught at SCHOOL! Please, pass on the information. Ignorance is not bliss....
Sarah Pacatte Gabriel Mordecai's Mom

StillLovingMyGabriel.com

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