It is a sad fact of life that many adolescents suffer serious injury or even die from playing the choking game.
My wife and I are unfortunately parents that have lost a child to the Choking Game. This tragic loss for us has given us new values to life and also how easy it is for us as parents to be totally oblivious to what our children are doing in their free time and the consequences that their games can have on so many people around them.
This loss has led me to many hours of researching interviewing and gathering of info. I have now been able to put together an Awareness Campaign for the choking game (GASP -Games Adolescents Shouldn't Play) to be presented to adolescents, parents and educators. The aim is to educate people about the dangers of playing this game and to avoid further tragedies.
The presentation lasts an hour and is suitable for all age groups. It has been viewed by the Lowveld Psychology Association and comes highly recommended by them.
I am currently a member of the international GASP (Games Adolescences Should Not Play) group which was founded in the USA , where between 250 to 1000 children are lost each and every year to the choking game (this also includes the sniffing or inhaling of aerosol and butane gases).
GASP has an awareness programme as we believe that we need to make kids, parents and teachers aware of the dangers of playing the choking game games. This non profit international organisation consists of parents that have lost children to the choking or similar games, educators, medical experts and law enforcement officers. We in South Africa have not been fortunate enough to have had a South African group and this is my aim, as I believe we need to have a South African based data base.
The difficulty that I am currently experiencing is that so many of these deaths are claimed and reported to be suicides as was the case with our son. The choking game is being played by our youth at the moment and has been played by many of us in the past. Unfortunately as with many things in life the game has just advanced and now has become a game that is taking our loved ones away from us. I am sure that if we as a family had of known more about this terrible and dangerous game before our son experimented at home, by himself, we could have had our son with us today.
I have presented to a number of groups in the short time that I have been involved in GASP and have had positive feedback from most presentations of our youth being actively involved or of someone being lost to the game. I also realise that it concerns people that we could be making children try something different that they had not been doing before. If I use my experience I am sure an informed, educated decision that we would have discussed at home would have been that it would be unwise to try the game. The presentation has been cleared by both local medical and education experts for both parents and learners. The following comments are from concerned parties in the States.
As many as 250 to 1 000 kids die from the Choking Game each year. It is difficult to track down the numbers of incidents as so many cases are reported as suicide. The Choking Game has been passed down from child to child over years as an excitement with no lessons on how dangerous the game is. Some parents think it is just the “bad kids” who play the game, but little do they know the game is played by kids between the age of 9-16 which are the high-achieving in academics, activities and sports. We know first hand the heartache of losing a child to this deadly game. It is our hope that we reach our children first, so that no other parent will have to endure the pain of the life of their child cut short.
Richard H Montgomery, PhD
Superintendent
Andrew Macnab, MD, FRCPC, FRCPCH, FCAHS
Professor of Paediatrics
Thomas A Andrew, MD
Chief Medical Examiner
Scott Metheny
Police Officer
GASP Executive Trainer
Having lost his own son to this “game”, Gavin’s presentation had an authenticity that could not be ignored. The facts were presented and the video material, despite being fairly graphic, emphasised the senselessness of being involved in such “games”. The dangers were clearly highlighted and the trauma and guilt with which those left behind had to deal made for sober reflection.
I would recommend this presentation to all schools as it is becoming quite clear that no school is in a position to say that “It doesn’t happen here.”
Denis Stephen
Headmaster
Blouberg Ridge Primary School
My 12 year old daughter, Savannah and I had the pleasure and privilege of attending your presentation at Blouberg Ridge Primary School last night.
When the invitation arrived from the school we initially felt it was "not that important" to attend.
My eldest daughter is a perfectionist, an achiever both academically and she is in a sports development programme with an overseas sponsor to ensure she receives the best level of training possible in her chosen discipline.
She is a natural leader and many are drawn to her innocent approach to Life in general.
As a parent, I felt there may be no benefit to us attending your presentation but we made a decision to "come along and listen" and we were there.
WOW!! Are we delighted to have had the opportunity to listen to what you chose to share! So glad we attended!
As a parent I realized just how vulnerable each and every child on our Planet is. Whether peer pressure, acceptance, boredom or simply pleasure seeking in the form of an adrenalin-rush, NO child is above falling prey to disaster in this horrendous so-called "game".
My heart skipped a beat when you shared it is the "perfectionist, achievers, loners" - my own child - who are at extreme risk!
A million thanks for informing us last night while sharing your own pain. I cannot imagine any loss greater than the loss of a much-loved child.
Thank you for encouraging parents to be vigilant and involved. It is so easy to reach a mindset of "my child's an achiever, why worry??"
Savannah was shocked (in a positive way) at the graphics she saw but realized that the horror of death was very REAL and the World can be an evil place for the ignorant and uninformed.
Savannah came home last night, sat her 9 year old little sister down and shared with her, "Nikita there is a terrible game you must never ever play..........."
Knowledge is empowerment.
Heartfelt thanks for making a difference in such an ugly World.
May you be too Blessed to be Stressed today!
Michelle Malan
Last night (Tuesday, 7/09/2010) I attended a talk about the so called “Choking Game” that is causing death and suffering for thousands of families worldwide. Last week in Lydenburg a young boy died while playing this “game”. We always say and think oh no it will never happen to me or my child will never do that, well you know, one will have to think twice before thinking or saying that because it does happen to normal, high achievers and yes our children.
I was surprised to hear that children of the age of 6 are even doing it. While sitting among the parents and children last night and watching the videos which were downloaded from You Tube I was devastated to find out that there are over 2000 videos of children doing this and putting it onto You Tube and finding it hilarious and funny. Parents tell their kids not to try this game ever, but never elaborate on it or show the children the consequences of “game”- being death.
While Gavin Cocks explained the pain and hurt that he and his wife endured through this as well as their family it was hard enough for me as parent to even think of losing my child to such a sick “game”. That is why I am writing this email to all parents to please learn more about this horrific “game” and explain to children why never ever to try it.
After the presentation Gavin asked the kids if any of them knew about the “game” or about anyone doing it at first it was silent and then a mother spoke about her 8yr old doing it and that at first she thought her son had fainted due to not eating and that it was a hot day but after phoning her sons friend and asking him if it was true that her son had fainted he confirmed it she then spoke to the friend mother (who is a nurse) and explained to her what had happened to her son but all that they thought was that he hadn’t eaten and the heat had affected him and she then decided she would take her son to the doctor for an examination. While in bed that evening the boy’s mother received a call from the friend’s mother and she informed her that her son had told her that they were in actual fact playing the “choking game” in class while the teacher was marking their books. The mother phone the teacher and explained to her what had happened and this is why today this presentation was done to make children, parents and teachers aware of what is going on and what will be the tragic end of it. Then the other mother also told us that her son too had tried it with this little boy and that the kids thought it was funny to do it. (Both these boys are from different races) This game has no colour, gender or age please I urge all parents to be alert.
I have attached the brochure that was given to us explaining the game and also there are some photographs of Gavin’s son Edwin and two other boys who have recently died in White River and Lutzville due to the “Choking Game”, please read it so that we can put a stop to this horrible so called “game”.
Mother
The choice to play this game belongs to the kids. As adults we will not be there when this choice has to be made. Let’s just think would you want to send your child to school to write a test on something that they have never heard of before. If we did they would probably fail. The only difference is that should they fail this test it could be fatal. This Game has been played regularly for many years in different forms and is still being played ask me and thousands of other parents who have lost their child to the game. We need to educate our children and would like to assist.
For further information please contact
Gavin Cocks 082 410 1984
Tracey Bredenkamp 074 150 8748
or use the email contact form on the contact page
My wife and I are unfortunately parents that have lost a child to the Choking Game. This tragic loss for us has given us new values to life and also how easy it is for us as parents to be totally oblivious to what our children are doing in their free time and the consequences that their games can have on so many people around them.
This loss has led me to many hours of researching interviewing and gathering of info. I have now been able to put together an Awareness Campaign for the choking game (GASP -Games Adolescents Shouldn't Play) to be presented to adolescents, parents and educators. The aim is to educate people about the dangers of playing this game and to avoid further tragedies.
The presentation lasts an hour and is suitable for all age groups. It has been viewed by the Lowveld Psychology Association and comes highly recommended by them.
I am currently a member of the international GASP (Games Adolescences Should Not Play) group which was founded in the USA , where between 250 to 1000 children are lost each and every year to the choking game (this also includes the sniffing or inhaling of aerosol and butane gases).
GASP has an awareness programme as we believe that we need to make kids, parents and teachers aware of the dangers of playing the choking game games. This non profit international organisation consists of parents that have lost children to the choking or similar games, educators, medical experts and law enforcement officers. We in South Africa have not been fortunate enough to have had a South African group and this is my aim, as I believe we need to have a South African based data base.
The difficulty that I am currently experiencing is that so many of these deaths are claimed and reported to be suicides as was the case with our son. The choking game is being played by our youth at the moment and has been played by many of us in the past. Unfortunately as with many things in life the game has just advanced and now has become a game that is taking our loved ones away from us. I am sure that if we as a family had of known more about this terrible and dangerous game before our son experimented at home, by himself, we could have had our son with us today.
I have presented to a number of groups in the short time that I have been involved in GASP and have had positive feedback from most presentations of our youth being actively involved or of someone being lost to the game. I also realise that it concerns people that we could be making children try something different that they had not been doing before. If I use my experience I am sure an informed, educated decision that we would have discussed at home would have been that it would be unwise to try the game. The presentation has been cleared by both local medical and education experts for both parents and learners. The following comments are from concerned parties in the States.
Affected parents:
As many as 250 to 1 000 kids die from the Choking Game each year. It is difficult to track down the numbers of incidents as so many cases are reported as suicide. The Choking Game has been passed down from child to child over years as an excitement with no lessons on how dangerous the game is. Some parents think it is just the “bad kids” who play the game, but little do they know the game is played by kids between the age of 9-16 which are the high-achieving in academics, activities and sports. We know first hand the heartache of losing a child to this deadly game. It is our hope that we reach our children first, so that no other parent will have to endure the pain of the life of their child cut short.
| Sharron Grant | Charlene Sandel |
| GASP Director, Texas | GASP Director, Canada |
From an educator:
Officer Scott Metheny, GASP’s Executive Trainer, brought to our community’s consciousness the real dangers of this practice poses to our youth. He connected with students with his presentation and at all times conveyed utmost respect and concern for the children, their families and schools. I truly believe that lives have been saved because of Officer Metheny’s courage to address this issue which is unfamiliar to many parents and educators but well known to children. I highly recommend this presentation as an essential part of education and ensuring safe and healthy childrenRichard H Montgomery, PhD
Superintendent
From a Professor of Paediatrics:
As a children’s doctor, I have seen many instances where children have died unnecessarily because of ignorance or an unwise decision. Knowing that young people lose their lives needlessly because of asphyxial games is a call to action for all of us. There educational material can help teens make those distinctions. I have helped save many children’s lives and if you are proactive about asphyxial games, the probability is that you will save lives too.Andrew Macnab, MD, FRCPC, FRCPCH, FCAHS
Professor of Paediatrics
From a Medical Examiner:
The Choking Game has deadly consequences if the child is using ligature about the neck and more importantly playing alone. My experience as a forensic pathologist has yielded valuable nuggets of truth; adolescent brain does not process information like an adult brain. Children most likely to shun tobacco and alcohol may well be the more likely to play this game. Please get informed, use these tools and be proactive. This package represents your first steps towards never letting that happen. Take it to the next levelThomas A Andrew, MD
Chief Medical Examiner
From a Police Officer:
I first learnt about the Choking Game while teaching a DARE class, since then I put together a presentation to educate children. Most adults avoid the topic in fear of giving kids new ideas of trying. Every time I have asked students if they have heard of the Choking Game 70% say yes. I believe that if we educate students the right way they won’t be tempted to try it and may even help their friends avoid it as well.Scott Metheny
Police Officer
GASP Executive Trainer
From a Headmaster:
The powerpoint assisted talk was presented by Gavin to our teachers and then to the Grade 5-7 pupils and their parents on the 3 August 2010.Having lost his own son to this “game”, Gavin’s presentation had an authenticity that could not be ignored. The facts were presented and the video material, despite being fairly graphic, emphasised the senselessness of being involved in such “games”. The dangers were clearly highlighted and the trauma and guilt with which those left behind had to deal made for sober reflection.
I would recommend this presentation to all schools as it is becoming quite clear that no school is in a position to say that “It doesn’t happen here.”
Denis Stephen
Headmaster
Blouberg Ridge Primary School
From a Parent:
Dear GavinMy 12 year old daughter, Savannah and I had the pleasure and privilege of attending your presentation at Blouberg Ridge Primary School last night.
When the invitation arrived from the school we initially felt it was "not that important" to attend.
My eldest daughter is a perfectionist, an achiever both academically and she is in a sports development programme with an overseas sponsor to ensure she receives the best level of training possible in her chosen discipline.
She is a natural leader and many are drawn to her innocent approach to Life in general.
As a parent, I felt there may be no benefit to us attending your presentation but we made a decision to "come along and listen" and we were there.
WOW!! Are we delighted to have had the opportunity to listen to what you chose to share! So glad we attended!
As a parent I realized just how vulnerable each and every child on our Planet is. Whether peer pressure, acceptance, boredom or simply pleasure seeking in the form of an adrenalin-rush, NO child is above falling prey to disaster in this horrendous so-called "game".
My heart skipped a beat when you shared it is the "perfectionist, achievers, loners" - my own child - who are at extreme risk!
A million thanks for informing us last night while sharing your own pain. I cannot imagine any loss greater than the loss of a much-loved child.
Thank you for encouraging parents to be vigilant and involved. It is so easy to reach a mindset of "my child's an achiever, why worry??"
Savannah was shocked (in a positive way) at the graphics she saw but realized that the horror of death was very REAL and the World can be an evil place for the ignorant and uninformed.
Savannah came home last night, sat her 9 year old little sister down and shared with her, "Nikita there is a terrible game you must never ever play..........."
Knowledge is empowerment.
Heartfelt thanks for making a difference in such an ugly World.
May you be too Blessed to be Stressed today!
Michelle Malan
From a Parent:
TO ALL PARENTS PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE SO CALLED “CHOKING GAME”- Please pass this onto other parents and lets save our children.Last night (Tuesday, 7/09/2010) I attended a talk about the so called “Choking Game” that is causing death and suffering for thousands of families worldwide. Last week in Lydenburg a young boy died while playing this “game”. We always say and think oh no it will never happen to me or my child will never do that, well you know, one will have to think twice before thinking or saying that because it does happen to normal, high achievers and yes our children.
I was surprised to hear that children of the age of 6 are even doing it. While sitting among the parents and children last night and watching the videos which were downloaded from You Tube I was devastated to find out that there are over 2000 videos of children doing this and putting it onto You Tube and finding it hilarious and funny. Parents tell their kids not to try this game ever, but never elaborate on it or show the children the consequences of “game”- being death.
While Gavin Cocks explained the pain and hurt that he and his wife endured through this as well as their family it was hard enough for me as parent to even think of losing my child to such a sick “game”. That is why I am writing this email to all parents to please learn more about this horrific “game” and explain to children why never ever to try it.
After the presentation Gavin asked the kids if any of them knew about the “game” or about anyone doing it at first it was silent and then a mother spoke about her 8yr old doing it and that at first she thought her son had fainted due to not eating and that it was a hot day but after phoning her sons friend and asking him if it was true that her son had fainted he confirmed it she then spoke to the friend mother (who is a nurse) and explained to her what had happened to her son but all that they thought was that he hadn’t eaten and the heat had affected him and she then decided she would take her son to the doctor for an examination. While in bed that evening the boy’s mother received a call from the friend’s mother and she informed her that her son had told her that they were in actual fact playing the “choking game” in class while the teacher was marking their books. The mother phone the teacher and explained to her what had happened and this is why today this presentation was done to make children, parents and teachers aware of what is going on and what will be the tragic end of it. Then the other mother also told us that her son too had tried it with this little boy and that the kids thought it was funny to do it. (Both these boys are from different races) This game has no colour, gender or age please I urge all parents to be alert.
I have attached the brochure that was given to us explaining the game and also there are some photographs of Gavin’s son Edwin and two other boys who have recently died in White River and Lutzville due to the “Choking Game”, please read it so that we can put a stop to this horrible so called “game”.
Mother
The choice to play this game belongs to the kids. As adults we will not be there when this choice has to be made. Let’s just think would you want to send your child to school to write a test on something that they have never heard of before. If we did they would probably fail. The only difference is that should they fail this test it could be fatal. This Game has been played regularly for many years in different forms and is still being played ask me and thousands of other parents who have lost their child to the game. We need to educate our children and would like to assist.
For further information please contact
Gavin Cocks 082 410 1984
Tracey Bredenkamp 074 150 8748
or use the email contact form on the contact page