North East kids putting their lives at risk for 'LIKES' on social media
Charity voices concerns over dangerous online crazes
A North East charity has voiced its concerns over dangerous online crazes, including the ‘Choking Game', after a 12-year-old boy in Birmingham died when he took part in the game.
Since 2010 eight children in the UK have died as a result of deadly games and crazes such as the ‘Choking Game’ which is also known as 'The Good Boys High', 'Pass Out' and 'Choking Out'.
I.M.P.A.C.T North East, a youth counselling charity, says social media is a key contributor to the issue as kids strive to be ‘Facebook Famous’ with more ‘LIKES’ and followers than their school mates.
Youth support worker Libby Cole says:
“They’re recording themselves playing the game and then posting it on social media, but the trouble is they have to stop themselves just before they get to pass out stage but sometimes they can’t. Eight children since 2010 have died in the UK alone because of it.”
One mum who knows the heartache of losing a child to risky crazes like this is Selina Booth.
Her 14-year-old son Jack died last February when taking part in the game. She found him dead in his room:
“It’s just absolutely stupid, what makes kids think that this game is safe? My son didn’t want to die that day, neither did any of the kids who played that game, but he’s not here to listen to me anymore. I wake up in the morning and everything is black, there’s no colour in my life anymore. We try to talk to our kids about the dangers about drinking, driving and drugs but this is another one that does kill.”
Worryingly kids as young as nine are taking part in the deadly games as they feel pressure from their school peers, as Libby from I.M.P.A.C.T North East explains:
“It is on the increase rapidly, kids as young as nine have been doing it and they’re primary school age. It’s very worrying that kids in primary school are doing this choking and strangulation, which can have knock on effects for the rest of their lives.”
If you are being peer pressured into playing these dangerous games, you can find out more information on the I.M.P.A.C.T North East Website