by KELLY HICKEY, M.A.
THIS ARTICLE IS WRITTEN IN RESPONSE to the tragic death of Anthony Sankovic, an eighth-grade student, brilliant, athletic, handsome and well-liked by his peers and adults. By all accounts, this kind, sensitive boy was what you hoped your own son, brother, nephew, or grandson was like. Anthony played the deadly game known as the “Choking Game” for the last time by himself after school one day. His seventh-grade grade sister found him lifeless and was responsible for calling 911 in a futile attempt to save her only brother’s life. Anthony died four days later, and his family and school community were left devastated and confused about how such a bright young life had been extinguished so senselessly.
What went wrong? According to the Choking Game statistics, nothing went wrong. Most of the children who engage in this risky behavior are well-adjusted, highly
energetic, high-achieving, athletic young men and women who have close and nurturing relationships with their families and friends. Anthony fit this profile perfectly.
What is the Choking Game?
The Choking Game is an activity most often “played” between the ages of 9-16. It involves obtaining an addictive high or euphoric state by constricting the flow of oxygen to the brain. This can be “played” alone or in a group, and involves hyperventilation until unconsciousness is achieved and/or the suppression of oxygen flow by chest or neck compression applied by a friend or the use of a ligature. Although most commonly known as the Choking Game,
it is also called Airplaning, Black Out/Fainting Game, Black Hole, Breath Play, California High, Choke Out, Cloud Nine, Dream Game, Elevator, Flatline Game, Funky Chicken, Gasp, Hanging Game, Purple Dragon, Natural High, Sleeper Hold, Space Cowboy, Space Monkey, Suffocation Game/ Roulette, Tingling Game, and the Twitching Game to name
several.
Why Children Are Attracted to the Choking Game
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It is highly addictive
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It provides an altered state of consciousness
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It can alter blood pressure causing stimulating, even erotic sensations
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It can satisfy curiosity and be entertaining
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It can be perceived as a “safe” alternative to drugs
Signs and Symptoms
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Frequent, often severe headaches
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Bruising or red marks on the neck
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Bloodshot or red eyes
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Disorientation and/or grogginess after being alone
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Changes in attitude, aggression
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Belts, bags, ties or other items used as ligatures often tied in knots
Wear marks on furniture (bunk beds, closet rods) or ligatures from prior incidents -
Closed doors or an unusual need for privacy
What Schools Can Do To Help
The most important action schools can take to stop severe injury and death as a result of the Choking Game is to educate parents, teachers, counselors, and students to the real and immediate dangers involved. A recent poll indicated 75% of parents reported being unaware of the Choking Game despite the fact that approximately 500-1000 children (typically ages 9-16) die or are severely injured as a result of this deadly “game” each year. In fact, in a recent poll of 500 6-12 graders, 53% of boys admitted to playing the Choking Game. Most children have no idea that this “game” can be potentially fatal.
Parents, school personnel, law enforcement, and medical professionals work diligently to educate our children regarding the dangers involved with tobacco, drugs, alcohol, unprotected sex, and
Internet safety. Now that you have read this article, you too have an obligation to address the dangers associated with the Choking Game in your home and in your school. Become an advocate for the distribution of this information in your school. Public awareness is a big first step in dealing with this problem. Please do not allow this to happen to another child. PSI can provide programs and
presentations for faculty, parents and students to help prevent this tragedy from occurring in your school. 
Kelly Hickey provides psychological services to schools in Ohio for PSI (Psychology@psi-solutions.org).