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Some extreme thrill-seeking teens toy with their lives by playing what's known as "the choking game."

This so-called "game" involves holding your breath while strangling yourself with or without assistance from another. It's dangerous. It can lead to death. And preteens and teens -- often on a dare -- are experimenting with it.

Participants might bear hug each other, cutting off oxygen to their brains until they pass out. Or, they might strangle themselves using some kind of tie, such a scarf, belt, rope or computer chord.

When pressure is released, normal blood flow returns to the brain and consciousness returns, participants reportedly experience a brief high or feelings of euphoria.

But not everyone wakes up.

The practice, also known as "the blackout game," "knock out game," "space monkey," and "space cowboy," among others, can cause brain damage, strokes or seizures.

And it results in hundreds of accidental asphyxiation deaths each year.

Teens -- and children as young as 10 -- seeking a high without drugs will play the "game" in groups. It's even more dangerous when played alone, according to the Web site www.deadlygameschildrenplay.com, which also provides statistics, testimonies, contacts, recommended reading and ways to get help.

Many parents of preteens and teens who play this "game" usually don't know what their children's real past-time is. And they usually don't find out until it is too late.

Parents should talk to their kids about the dangers of "the choking game" and encourage them to stop playing -- or never start -- by providing them with healthier alternatives.

Piano lessons are safe. They're also productive.

* Jessica Serrano attends La Salle High School.