The fainting game, also known as the choking game, is not technically a game but a dangerous schoolyard activity that parents should know and talk about to their children about since it endangers the life of their child.

"If parents are not able to talk about it, they are only pretending that it does not exist, as it is something that young people have participated in for a long time," said Inspector Russ Chartrand of the Weyburn Police Service.

The fainting game is a highly-dangerous activity that is responsible for a large number of juvenile deaths and permanent neurological disabilities, as some youths deliberately cut off the flow of blood to their brain and then suddenly release the pressure to induce a high.

The issue has gained national attention as a professor from the University of B.C. released disturbing numbers from a study of the game he is conducting amongst teenagers. The asphyxiation game is known variously by such names as airplaning, flatlining, gasp, choke out and California high. In the study of Ontario teens, Dr. Andrew Macnab suggests in media reports that one in five Ontario teens have played the game. The doctor says there are a significant number of teens who know about it, and a large number who try it, much more than adults know.

The best defence against the fainting game is having an open communication with your child starting at an early age. "As children enter their teens they become more independent and have to react to several forms of peer pressure. While the parental relationship sometimes takes a back seat to influencing a teen's decision, it is still essential to maintain that open relationship," said Chartrand.

An even more deadly aspect of the game to 'play' is auto-erotic asphyxiation, also known as sexual hanging. It is a self-applied suffocation method while masturbating to orgasm that accounts for 6.5% of all self-induced adolescent deaths and 31% of all adolescent hanging deaths.

Parents should be firm and serious with their children when talking about the fainting game, just as they would about smoking or drugs. Some warning signs that might indicate a child is taking part in the game include bloodshot eyes, marks on the neck, complaining of headaches and closed doors. Other signs would include the presence of ropes, belts and leashes and if the child becomes withdrawn and secretive.

Chartrand recommends that "parents should arm themselves with information so that they can educate their teens that for every behaviour there is a consequence; some are positive and some are negative. Teens need that information so they can make wise decisions for their lives."