Remember that short story? “The Most Dangerous Game”? Dangerous games are no longer fiction. They have become part of our never ending news cycle.
It is with a heavy heart that I write this post.
A Santa Monica youth was found dead in his home. Cause of death? A game. The Choking Game.
I had never heard of this “game”. But apparantly most pre-teens have heard of it and many have “played it”.
It seems that there is some “high” associated with near asphyxiation. Boys between the ages of 11 and 16 are the most likely to try one of the different variants of this deadly game. Few parents are even aware that this game exists.
Many kids think that this is a safer way to get high without using alcohol or drugs.
Why is it that many teens feel such a need to escape that they put their lives on the line for a fleeting high? Life is so good. Our world is so incredible. Opportunities are nearly endless. Why is it necessary to escape?
I know that it is important to raise awareness of the alcohol and drug related problems that addle the youth of our country from all walks of life. Certainly, we need to add the choking game and similar games to our ever growing list of common and dangerous activities. I would venture to say that eating disorders from obesity to anorexia find their roots in similar
I wonder if a better way of combating teen substance abuse and dangerous games with a high is not to talk so much about the dangers of the activity. Rather, to teach appreciation and love for life and all that life has to offer. Enjoying life is a skill. All skills can be taught.
I propose courses in “Quality of Life” that teach our youth how lucky they are to be alive. Specifically, how lucky they are to be alive in such a special place and such a special time. A time and place that offers so many opportunities and experiences that are more enjoyable than a fleeting “high”.
As adults, we need to lead by example. We cannot allow ourselves to enjoy our “escapes” more than life itself. Cherish your relationships, maximize your family time, take pleasure in learning new things and sharing them with others.
When we exhibit a youthful exuberance for life, our youth will follow suit. They will find meaning and pleasure in life and not seek dangerous methods of escape.
When contemplating the various escapes we use, I often think of the words of Billy Joel in Piano Man:
“It’s a pretty good crowd for a Saturday
And the manager gives me a smile
‘Cause he knows that it’s me they’ve been comin’ to see
To forget about life for a while”
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