Last night I got a phone call from my eldest son's school nurse.  She was calling all the parents of the Junior High School to inform them that there were some students that were performing a "game" in which they would strangle each other to acheive a euphorian type high.  Someone had come forward and told of this horrific "game".  I was assured that my son was not one of the teens that was pinpointed to having been involved, but that there would be a meeting with the students and all parents were invited to attend. 

 
Needless to say, I was concerned.  For every name they had, I figured there was probably at least two more doing it that they hadn't heard of.

I attended the meeting.  It was meant to scare them.  I'm not sure it will work, however.  I don't think they were tough enough.  They told them of some deaths, and explained some other medical risks, and then told them that if they strangled someone and that person died, they would be charged with manslaughter and go to prison.  And that's basically it. 
I remember being that age and taking risks because I felt invinsible.  I would not listen to anyone, especially adults.  I think it will continue, only they will be more careful to conceal it. 

 
I talked to my son.  I asked him if he had known what was going on and he said yes, but that he did not know it was dangerous and didn't know what to do about it.  I asked him if he had done it.  He said no.  I told him that if I ever found out that he was doing it, he would be in more trouble than he could handle. 
I trust my son.  He's never lied to me before (that I am aware of anyway).  But I feel I must stay strong for his own health's sake.  It is frightening and sickening what these kids are doing.  And now I hear they are pressuring others to do it too.  Oh, my...what is this world coming to.