A 16-year-old student from Nieuwegein has died after engaging in the choking game, a risky but popular internet challenge. The game involves young people restricting blood flow to the brain by compressing the carotid artery, leading to a temporary high upon release.
However, this can cause significant brain damage or even death. Justine Pardoen from Bureau Jeugd en Media warns against the dangerous effects of repeated participation, which can cause irreversible brain damage or heart failure within seconds.
Geert Reynders, whose son died in 2017 due to this game, founded the TIM Foundation to raise awareness about the dangers of such online challenges. Reynders emphasizes the importance of educating students in schools to prevent further tragedies.
Pardoen acknowledges the challenge in deciding whether to inform children about these games, as it can sometimes encourage participation. She advises schools to assess when it is appropriate to discuss the topic.
Source: NOS