Dear Parent or Guardian:

      It has come to the attention of our detectives that there are children in our middle school playing a game called the “choking game”. The game also is called space monkey, space cowboy, pass out, choke out, and flat liner as well as other names.
 

      The game is usually played in groups and the objective of the game is to play until someone passes out from suffocation. This apparently gives a drugless rush or high. The game is played by children between the ages of 9 and 14 years who come from all backgrounds. There are many documented cases of this game playing resulting in deaths in both Canada and the United
States.

      Here are some signs to look for to see if your children are participating in this game; unusual marks on the neck, blood shot eyes, closing the door to their room, looking groggy when they come out of their room, having ropes, plastic bags, etc. in their room or school bag, ropes or other articles found tied to furniture, frequent headaches, a sudden change in personality or angry outbursts.

      Please take the time to talk to your children about this game. If you are looking for more information on the choking game, please contact Det. Joseph Prinzo at (201) 955-5681.
 

Very truly yours,
 

LOUIS M. GHIONE
Chief of Police