1. Self-Asphyxiation (Choking Game) Presentation

2. Please take a minute to answer the pre-test questions.

3. The information used in this presentation was obtained from several sources, including: –A presentation put together by staff members of James Madison Middle School in Appleton, WI –Information from the following organizations: G.A.S.P. (Games Adolescents Shouldn’t Play) D.B. (Dangerous Adolescent Behavior Education) Foundation S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) C.D.C. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

4. Please Note: The information presented may be disturbing; however, the goal is to present the truth behind this dangerous activity. If you feel that you need to leave the room during this presentation please let one of your teacher’s know and then go to the guidance office.

6. Video available at: http://www.gaspinfo.com/en/involved.htmlhttp://www.gaspinfo.com/en/involved.html

7. Why Are We Talking About This? Because it can happen anywhere and you need to know how dangerous it is, so you can choose to be safe.

8. What Should I Do? If you are doing it, STOP! If you know someone else who is, tell them to stop. Don’t take their word for it though. Tell an adult about it.

9. But my friend will get mad… It is better to have a friend mad at you for saving their life than having a dead friend. Your friend may not realize you are saving them, but trust me this activity is a killer! Telling ≠ Tattling

10. Who Can I Tell? Your Parents Your Friend’s Parents Teacher Guidance Counselor School Nurse School Administrator Aunt/Uncle Any responsible adult that you trust

11. How can I say, “No”? Use Humor- “No, I need all the brain cells I’ve got” Walk Away- Leave if people ask you to do it Give a reason- “No, it’s stupid and it can kill you” Strength in numbers- Hang out with kids who won’t do this Avoid the situation- If you know kids that are doing it, don’t go with them

12. What Else Should I Do? Talk about your feelings. Growing up can be difficult. You are not alone. People care about you. There are caring people available to discuss emotional reactions to issues or events. Don’t take dangerous risks instead of talking about your feelings.

13. Who Can I Talk To? - Your Parents - Your Friend’s Parents - Brothers - Sisters - Grandparents - Aunts - Uncles - Cousins - Teachers - School Counselors - School Nurse - Principals - Friends - Any responsible adult that you trust

14. Positive Risk-Taking Risk taking is a safe and natural part of growing up. Just like adults, for many kids and teens, risk taking is one way of relieving stress. There are many activities like, skateboarding or rock climbing, which produce a safe natural endorphin or “high” for kids.

15. The SADD Teens Today 2004 study identified the following three broad categories of positive risk-taking: Life Risks School Risks Community Risks

16. The SADD Teens Today 2004 study identified the following three broad categories of positive risk-taking: Life Risks Social – e.g. joining a club or group Emotional – e.g. asking someone on a date or sharing feelings with friends Physical – e.g. rock climbing

17. The SADD Teens Today 2004 study identified the following three broad categories of positive risk-taking: School Risks Academic – e.g. taking an advanced placement course Athletic – e.g. trying out for a sports team Extracurricular – e.g. running for student council

18. The SADD Teens Today 2004 study identified the following three broad categories of positive risk-taking: Community Risks Volunteering – e.g. helping the elderly or homeless Mentoring – e.g. working with younger children Leading – e.g. starting a group or organization

19. Questions ??? Please take a minute to answer the post-test questions.