Many Oregon eighth graders know about, even participate in this potentially fatal activity.

Oregon Public Health officials want parents and healthcare providers to be aware of a dangerous and potentially fatal activity in which many young teens are engaging.  Download the Fact Sheet Here.

According to the Oregon Healthy Teens Survey, conducted every other year by Oregon Public Health, as many as 2,600 eighth graders in the state have participated in the "choking game," sometimes called Pass-Out, Space Monkey, Flat Liner and Blackout. The survey also found that one in three eighth graders had heard of someone participating in this activity and that 6 percent reported participating themselves.

The "choking game" is an activity in which people strangle themselves using a belt, tie, scarf or similar item, or teens strangle each other using their hands to achieve euphoria. After a short time people can pass out, which can cause injury, long-term disability or death.

Oregon is the first state in the US to systematically assess this behavior. "Many people will be surprised at how widespread this dangerous behavior is," says Mel Kohn, MD, MPH, acting director at Oregon Public Health, "so parents, healthcare providers and others who work with teens should be alert for signs of participation in strangulation activities, particularly in young teens."

Sarah Ramowski at Oregon Public Health, the lead author of a report on these data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that warning signs that a child may be participating in this activity include: • Unexplained marks on the neck • Bloodshot eyes • Ropes, scarves, belts tied to bedroom furniture or doorknobs • Unexplained presence of leashes or bungee cords • Pinpoint bleeding spots under the skin on the face, especially the eyelids • Discussion or mention of this activity • Disorientation especially after spending time alone.

To read the full report please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5901.pdf

Added June 2010, CD Summary, published by Oregon Public Health Division, dedicated to the "Choking Game in Oregon":  Download it HERE