We live in seriously worrying times…

This week, the following advisory was sent to all schools from the Ministry of Education. Sadly, it is all too self-explanatory. It is reproduced here in it’s entirety:

SUGGESTED MESSAGE FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS

 Keeping your child safe over the holiday period

 The summer holiday period is a time many of us look forward to when we can spend time with our families, whānau and children, it is also a time when we need to be vigilant about the safety of our children.  The Ministry of Education recently sent us information which may be helpful to you.

 Earlier this year the Coroner highlighted an accidental death which was caused by a teenager trying the “choking game”.  This week the Ministry of Education received reports of students from a small number of schools playing a “choking game” and holding “choking parties”.  Children and young people were seeking to have a good time and alcohol was sometimes involved.

 In the “game” a person chokes themselves or others in order to get a ‘floaty’ feeling.  Young people are ending up in accident and emergency clinics having accidentally harmed themselves.  They had no idea of the risks involved and the harm they could cause themselves.  These so-called “games” have appeared in a variety of countries and overseas experience shows that children as young as eight were doing this. 

 At the moment it does not appear that this behaviour is widespread, but given the level of communication between children and young people, it could spread rapidly.  Information about the game and parties is often circulated by text message or on social networking sites such as Facebook.

 This “game” is dangerous and can end in death.  The danger is increased if the child is alone when they try it. Signs that children or teens are engaging in this type of behaviour can include:

·        Marks or bruises on the neck

·        Bloodshot eyes

·        Wearing clothing that covers the neck, even in warm weather

·        Confusion or disorientation after being alone for a period of time

·        The presence of unusual items such as dog leashes, ropes, scarves,  bungee cords, and belts

·        Severe headaches, often frequent

·        Secretive behaviour, irritability, hostility

·        Bleeding under the skin of the face and eyelids

This “game” can start as an innocent risk-taking experience, but if the brain is starved of oxygen serious consequences, including death, can occur.

 You may want to talk to your child about anything they have heard about choking as a “game” and about the risks.  You can start by asking them if they have had any worrying texts, e-mails or Facebook posts.  If they have, ask your child about them.  Ask them if they have heard about the “choking game”.  Talk to them about what you know and tell them that this is very dangerous and they could die.  Tell them that the “floaty feeling” or “pass out” sensation is the beginning of brain damage - brain cells are dying and that can cause death or permanent brain damage.   Ask them to tell you if they get any of these texts, e-mails or Facebook postings and then ask them to delete them instead of passing them on.

 If your child has not heard anything about the ‘game’ you might wish to explain that there are some nasty texts going around and if they receive one they should talk to you about it and delete the message, not pass it on.
More information on this can be found at

http://tweenparenting.about game.com/od/healthfitness/f/ChokingGame.htm or www.ChokingGame.net

Children and young people’s behaviour can change from day to day so you should talk with them often.  If you are concerned about your child, discuss your concerns with them and remain vigilant - check cell phone texts, keep bedroom doors open, check if groups of children are in a shed together etc - safety is more important than privacy.

You can also contact your local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service or Child Youth and Family on 0508 FAMILY (0508 326 459).  Information is also available on the Ministry of Education website www.minedu.govt.nz

The following support lines are also available:

·        Life line 0800 541354

·        Youthline 0800 376 633

·        Samaritans 0800726 66

If you know or become aware of any activities, “games”, or text messages involving choking please inform the police.

Ma te wā

Rawiri Brell
Deputy Secretary
Ministry of Education