The choking game: a risky behavior for youth

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nursing
• Adolescent Health
• Risk-Taking Behaviors

Background:

• Choking games involve neck pressure to induce hypoxia, often misunderstood by youth as non-dangerous.
• Lack of awareness among parents, educators, and healthcare providers about this risky behavior is prevalent.
• Adolescents engaging in choking games may not comprehend the severe health consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform healthcare professionals about the signs and evolving nature of choking games.
• To outline the severe consequences associated with these dangerous activities.
• To provide educational resources and intervention strategies for addressing choking games in children and adolescents.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on choking games, including historical changes and nomenclature.
• Analysis of the risks and potential negative outcomes of participation.
• Identification of assessment and intervention approaches for healthcare providers.

Main Results:

• Children and adolescents often underestimate the dangers of choking games.
• The behavior and its terminology have evolved over time.
• Effective assessment and intervention are crucial for prevention.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare professionals must be aware of choking games to identify and support at-risk youth.
• Education and early intervention are key to mitigating the severe consequences of this behavior.
• Resources are available to help professionals address choking games with children and adolescents.