Self-Asphyxiation (Choking Game)

Presentation

Please take a minute to answer the pre-test

questions.

The information used in this presentation was

obtained from several sources, including:– A presentation put together by staff members of

James Madison Middle School in Appleton, WI– Information from the following organizations:

• G.A.S.P. (Games Adolescents Shouldn’t Play)• D.B. (Dangerous Adolescent Behavior

Education) Foundation• S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive

Decisions)• C.D.C. (Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention)

Please Note:

The information presented may be disturbing; however, the goal is to present the truth behind this dangerous activity. If you feel that you need to leave the room during this presentation please let one of your teacher’s know and then go to the

guidance office.

Video available at: http://www.gaspinfo.com/en/involved.html

Why Are We Talking About This?

• Because it can happen anywhere and you need to know how dangerous it is, so you can choose to be safe.

What Should I Do?

• If you are doing it, STOP! If you know someone else who is, tell them to stop. Don’t take their word for it though. Tell an adult about it.

But my friend will get mad…

• It is better to have a friend mad at you for saving their life than having a dead friend. Your friend may not realize you are saving them, but trust me this activity is a killer!

Telling ≠ Tattling

Who Can I Tell?• Your Parents

• Your Friend’s Parents

• Teacher

• Guidance Counselor

• School Nurse

• School Administrator

• Aunt/Uncle

• Any responsible adult that you trust

How can I say, “No”?

• Use Humor- “No, I need all the brain cells I’ve got”

• Walk Away- Leave if people ask you to do it

• Give a reason- “No, it’s stupid and it can kill you”

• Strength in numbers- Hang out with kids who won’t do this

• Avoid the situation- If you know kids that are doing it, don’t go with them

What Else Should I Do?• Talk about your feelings.• Growing up can be difficult.

You are not alone.• People care about you.• There are caring people available

to discuss emotional reactions to issues or events.

• Don’t take dangerous risks instead of talking about your feelings.

Who Can I Talk To?

- Your Parents - Your Friend’s Parents

- Brothers - Sisters - Grandparents

- Aunts - Uncles - Cousins

- Teachers - School Counselors

- School Nurse - Principals

- Friends

- Any responsible adult that you trust

Positive Risk-Taking• Risk taking is a safe and natural

part of growing up.

• Just like adults, for many kids and teens, risk taking is one way of relieving stress.

• There are many activities like, skateboarding or rock climbing, which produce a safe natural endorphin or “high” for kids.

The SADD Teens Today 2004 study identified the following three broad categories of positive risk-taking:

• Life Risks

• School Risks

• Community Risks

The SADD Teens Today 2004 study identified the following three broad categories of positive risk-taking:

Life Risks • Social – e.g. joining a club or

group • Emotional – e.g. asking someone

on a date or sharing feelings with friends

• Physical – e.g. rock climbing

The SADD Teens Today 2004 study identified the following three broad categories of positive risk-taking:

School Risks• Academic – e.g. taking an

advanced placement course • Athletic – e.g. trying out for a

sports team • Extracurricular – e.g. running for

student council

The SADD Teens Today 2004 study identified the following three broad categories of positive risk-taking:

Community Risks• Volunteering – e.g. helping the

elderly or homeless • Mentoring – e.g. working with

younger children • Leading – e.g. starting a group or

organization

Questions ???

Please take a minute to answer the post-test

questions.