An 11-year-old boy in Lyman, South Carolina lost his life due to a very bad online “game.” Da’Vorious (Chi Chi) Gray, was found passed out in a closet at home. He learned about it from the social media application, Kik.
This game he participated in, known as “hangman” or “the choking game,” has been spread around the Internet for a long time. The participants dare each other to choke themselves to the point of passing out.
They supposedly do it to get a brief “high.” According to the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), around 80 children have died from this game between 1995 and 2007.
It can be done either alone or in a group. They use either ropes, scarves, or other items. Parents and pediatricians should watch out for bruises on the child’s neck, blood shot eyes, and headaches.
This is not a new trend. 13-year-old Memphis Burgess in Colorado Springs died in December from the game. There are even videos about it on YouTube; they make it out to be some kind of joke.
In 2009, there was the story of 15-year-old Kevin Tork. His heartbroken parents spoke to the Today Show about their son’s death. His dad warned parents to be vigilant and to shut down YouTube and other social media.
The organization Games Adolescents Shouldn’t Play (GASP), has set out to help stop this awful Internet trend. They have statistics, and there are links to support group and other ways to find help if you are affected by this.
It is perceived as a “legal” way to get high without alcohol or drugs. Some parents and school officials think that kids should be taught about it in schools alongside the anti-drug lessons.
A Colorado school district has released a fact sheet about this practice. It includes the warning signs, the names that the game is called, and more.
Featured image via Twitter.
