Off topic: “Choking game” robs local family of their gifted son
Forgive me for going off topic, but this is something I felt was too important not to share.
This week, a 5th-grade student at my child’s school died from playing “the choking game.” That’s where kids cut off the air to their brains to get a buzz.
You’d like to think smart kids would know better than to try something like this, but the child our school lost was incredibly bright and gifted. He loved to read, was an outstanding student, and was a talented musician and athlete. He was like any of our kids. Yet as smart as he was, he didn’t see the danger in what he was doing.
This boy’s family is hoping that in the wake of their loss, other parents will educate their children about this “game” that can kill. You can find more information through GASP, a non-profit organization.
Gifted Atlanta 
Every child is at risk of being tempted to ‘play’ this ‘game’. Many tween and teens engaging in this activity perceive no risk, often stating “No one ever dies from fainting” Education of the very real, potentially fatal, risks associated with participating is the essential element to risk reduction and prevention….