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[Choking games among 2nd and 3rd graders]
C Cortey1, E Godeau2, V Ehlinger3
1Service d'accueil des urgences pédiatriques, hôpital des Enfants, 330, avenue de Grande-Bretagne, TSA 70034, 31059 Toulouse cedex 9, France.
Summary
Forty percent of elementary school children engage in the dangerous choking game. This prevalence is higher than in older students, highlighting the need for early prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Child Psychology
Background:
- The prevalence of the "choking game" or other asphyxial practices among elementary school-aged children is largely unknown.
- These dangerous activities pose potential life-threatening risks to children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of the choking game among 2nd and 3rd graders.
- To investigate variations in prevalence based on school characteristics and socioeconomic factors.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 25 schools in Southeastern France.
- Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 1125 2nd and 3rd graders (95% completion rate).
- Schools were selected based on size, location, socioeconomic status, and type (public/private).
Main Results:
- Forty percent of children reported having played the choking game.
- Prevalence varied significantly between schools (16-75%) and was higher in underprivileged neighborhoods.
- Daily or frequent play was reported by 13% of players, predominantly males (91%).
Conclusions:
- Elementary school children exhibit a higher prevalence of the choking game (40%) compared to middle and high school students (5-10%).
- Prevention programs targeting the choking game should commence in elementary school.
- Further research is needed to understand the factors driving the continuation of these practices into adolescence.