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PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A new report suggests a large number of eighth-graders in Oregon have taken part in the “choking game,” the dangerous practice of choking each other to get a feeling of euphoria.

The 'Choking Game' goes by many names: Suffocation Roulette, Black Out, Pass Out, Choking, Fainting, Strangle, Flatline, California High, Wall Toke, Funky Chicken, and Space Monkey.

“It’s really not a sexual thing at all,” Dr. Mel Kohn, (the state public health director) said about the teen choking game. “It’s more of a euphoria and getting high kind of goal.”

Little was know about this game before 2005 or at least not noticed by parents and authorities. The teens' peers tell them that it will give them a high and that it's not dangerous. But it is. Since 1995, 82 children from the ages of 6 to 19 have died from the 'Choking Game' as reported by authorities. However, the statistics are now higher. It is estimated approximately 300 teens and tweens have perished from playing this game.

Parents need to become aware of what their children have in their rooms, like a short collar or belt, a loose bedroom door knob, scarves, anything tied to bedroom furniture or doorknobs or found knotted on the floor.

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