The choking game has invaded the playground. However, parents are not aware of these dangerous practices. After losing his son, Magali Duwelz decided to react creating SOS Benjamin. She sounded the alarm.
Doctissimo: Can you explain what these games at risk?
Magali Duwelz: The Choking Game is a constriction, or by another child, either alone with accessories. This is a kind of drug that is cheap, some children will find hallucinations, other physical pleasure ... When they are not simply driven by their comrades, "you're not heading." And they do not realize the dangers they face: just as the brain is more than a minute without oxygen for risking cardiac arrest. The principle changes again, and now appear "sessions", where young people practice many violent games: Choking Game, Highway, smart card ... It is best not go into details of these practices, not to give "guide" for young people who do not know. Besides, I want to highlight the ravages of certain TV shows and music videos. "Jackass" for example gives very dangerous ideas to young people, such as from a top side with a supermarket trolley ...
Doctissimo: The Choking Game seems to have emerged recently. Is it very common in schools?
Magali Duwelz: First, be aware that the choking game has existed for over 50 years! I talked to seniors who practiced this game but it did not reach the level of violence it has today. It is difficult to estimate the number of children who practice it. Because it has more than 30 denominations, by region: cosmos, Indian summer, blue dream ... Not to mention all other "games" are at risk. Since 1999, I identified 75 deaths related to these behaviors among youth. But there are certainly many more that have not been identified as caused by these practices. During certain periods, we had 2 or 3 deaths per month. At the association we have already received thousands of testimonials from youth who participated in or witnessed these games.
Doctissimo: You point out the confusion with suicidal behavior. Can you tell us more?
Magali Duwelz: When I started to make prevention against these dangerous practices, I realized that there was actually an amalgam with suicidal practices. But it is definitely not suicide attempts! Instead, all child victims of these games had plans, were happy ... There was no sign that home may precede attempted suicide (the fold ...). Of course, there are suicidal behavior among young people, but there is another problem.
Doctissimo: In your opinion, what steps could prevent this?
Magali Duwelz: At the National Education, the minimum would be to conduct an information leaflet for children and parents. Because most are unaware of the dangers of those games. I think that training in basic first aid in schools is necessary. And it must also inform the teacher: today, a child who told his teacher that he practices the choking game will be punished! But parents must also be involved in prevention. Only the father or mother may know the problems encountered by the child, and are able to discover the pressure, the gears in which it can be taken.
For a teacher or professor can not be behind each student. Besides, I want an alternative exists: one delegate for each school which the child could speak, like a social worker. This would be listened to, if unable or unwilling to confide in her parents.
Doctissimo: But how can a parent may prevent a pre-teen or teen to take risks? It is normal to want to rebel and test limits at this age!
Magali Duwelz: Sure. Besides, we all took a risk and doing something as a young man unconscious. But it is essential to try to frame the teens, maintaining a controlled risk. Promote access, for example sports clubs, at affordable prices for young, would limit the risk taking. And why do not facilitate their access to extreme sports such as bungee jumping? Again, the notion of price is essential.
In our association, we're launching a project center for teens "Keys of Life" with sports "at risk", which should enable young people to discover their limits. Entering the center will be a first-aid training. And I hope that young people who pass through the center occur later in schools, for the prevention of risky behavior. I hope the speech will help other young children and teens understand that their body is fragile, and must say no, even to lock comrades.
Interview by Alain Sousa
End
Source
http://www.doctissimo.fr/html/psychologie/mag_2004/
mag0827/ps_7997_jeux_mortels_enfants_itw.htm
More
http://www.filsantejeunes.com/Les-jeux-al-ecole-il-y-en-a-des
