The Choking Game: a Deadly Online Challenge on Social Media
You’ve probably heard of the “Tide Pod Challenge” that had kids eating laundry soap or the “Devious Lick Challenge” that had kids trashing school bathrooms, but what about the deadly “Choking Game”?
Also known as the “Pass Out Game” or “Black Out”, the Choking Challenge encourages kids to choke themselves just to the point of passing out and then post their video, gaining “likes” and laughs from peers.
Because strangling yourself interrupts basic brain function, it’s impoosible to know when brain damage or death might occur. This challenge has been around for decades, but has gotten deadlier as it spreads on YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram.
What makes it worse?
The algorithm.
A tween or teen scrolling social media will stop to watch one choking video out of curiosity, and the platform’s algorithm starts showing the child more and more choking videos. It starts to seem “normal”, like “everyone” is doing it. It’s only a matter of time before they want to try it to.
What kids don’t realize is that this challenge kills people and there’s no warning. According to Erik’s Cause, over 200 Americans have accidentally died in the last 10 years due to this challenge, and we know that number is underreported. Many times these deaths are labeled suicides because officials don’t recognize the signs.
What you can do
Talk to your child or teen regularly about this challenge and other dangerous challenges. Boys are particularly likely to try this challenge.
Teach them about social media manipulation. Let them know if may *seem* like everyone is playing the game, but it’s not true. They’re seeing what the platform believes they want to see. This is an example of social media manipulation of them and their reality.
Supervise your kids online with Bark, a monitoring app, to supervise what your kids are doing online. This link gives you a 20% discount for life.
Be an advocate for change: join our work group at the Children’s Screen Time Action Network and help us educate stakeholders, change child safety laws and hold Big Tech accountable.
Follow Mason’s Message to learn more about 15 year old Mason and his tragic death due to this challenge.
Follow Erik’s Cause for an educational program for school students about this challenge.
Choking Game Awareness Day is October 11th.
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Image from Erik’s Cause