What Parents Need to Know About Kids' Choking Game

[talk2me452002]

The death of a fifth-grade boy in White House exposed a dangerous game most parents never knew kids were playing.


It goes by a number of names: the Choking Game, the Pass-out Game and Space Monkey.
Daniel Sheppard, 11, accidentally strangled himself playing the choking game.
His mother has partnered with the police department at White House to educate parents. Officials said there are a few things that might surprise parents.
Dr. Joe Gigante said unlike other risky teenage trends, the choking game isn't a cry for help.
“So many of these kids are perfectly normal. Their parents have no concerns about their behavior or being depressed at home or school,” Gigante said. “It could literally be any kid out there.”
Samuel Mordecai used to play the game with his twin brother Gabriel.
“It's hard to describe the feeling you get. It's sort of like dreaming but it only lasts a few seconds,” Samuel said.
Last June, Gabriel choked himself to death.
“I saw him with the rope around his neck and I was like, Gabe, knock it off,” Samuel said.
There's only a handful of documented cases of children dying from the choking game. But now experts believe there could be dozens, even hundreds more, that are mistakenly ruled suicide.
Warning signs parents can look for:

• Marks or bruises on your child's neck
• Bloodshot eyes
• Severe headaches
• Ropes or scarves near furniture