Games. Most of us love it when our kids play games or make up games. We love to see them using their time doing something other than screen-time. But there are some games that are harmful and others flat-out terrifying.
Don’t these games sound innocuous?
The ABC game, Skittling, Hide and Seek, Trunking, Surfing, Chubby Bunny?
or
European Vacation, Robotripping, Ghosting, The Eraser game,and Neknominate?
These are all names of games tween to young adults are playing. Each one risky. Some even result in death.
- The Eraser Game or The Eraser Challenge: This game has received some media attention lately. It isn’t deadly but it is dumb. Typically eleven to thirteen year-olds play. They rub an eraser over their forearm while repeating the alphabet, coming up a word for each letter.
- Mumblety Peg: A player spreads his fingers on a table then stabs the spaces between them as quickly as possible with a pocket knife.
- Chubby Bunny: A person puts as many full sized marshmallows into his mouth while saying the words “Chubby Bunny”.
- The ABC Game: One person names words that begin with each letter of the alphabet in a particular category while another player scratches the back of the first players hand in order to distract him.The “scratcher” keeps scratching until the one doing the naming has gone all the way through the alphabet. Each cut goes deeper and increases the odds of infection.
- 30 Seconds Game: Two ” players” beat on each other for a half-a-minute and the spectators choose a winner.
Deadly Games that Originate in your Kitchen or Medicine Cabinet:
- Robotripping: This game is named after the cough suppressant Robitussin. Large quantities are consumed in order to get high or even hallucinate.
- Skittling or Triple C: Over the counter or even prescription drugs are all tossed int o a bowl and the participants grab random handfuls of the colorful capsules, washing them all down, at one time, with a glass of water.
- The Cinnamon Challenge: This game can cause choking or breathing problems. Attempting to take a tablespoon of cinnamon all at one time is nearly impossible.
- Huffing or Dusting: Intentionally inhaling household products (like glue or compressed air) in order to get high.
Car Games:
- Trunking: This is played in the car. Kids who have just received their licenses and are not allowed to drive those who are not family members may use the “trunk” option. The non-legal rider is put into the trunk of the car.
- Surfing: The rider in this case is on top of the car, attempting to “surf” while the car is in motion.
- Ghosting: This is played with other vehicles. Each driver turns off the car’s headlights and drives as fast as he can.
- Hide and Seek: A form of ghosting except that the cars go looking for each other on a dark road without lights.
- European Vacation: One driver stays in the right lane, while another drives alongside in the left lane.
Last but not least two final, and possibly ultimately final games:
- Neknominate: This game is a social media drinking game. The player is “tagged” or nominated to play on facebook or twitter. The challenge is to drink as much alcohol as fast as you can …and do it in some creative way.
- The Choking Game: In order to get “high” oxygen is cut off. (Click on the link to read my post on this dangerous and addictive game. You will also see 11 warning signs if this game being played. )
Many of the games listed have big consequences. My hope is you are more informed after reading this blog. If you discover your child or his friends are involved in any of these activities be sure to inform the other parents and school personnel. Sadly these games spread like wild fire due to peer pressure and the desire to fit in. Social media has played a role in increasing the odds your child will participate. Talk with your tween, teen, and young person about the dangers. Give them a strategy to opt out of the games. Be mindful. Pay attention. Keep listening.
And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
- 9 Ways to Raise a Rebellious Kid - December 14, 2016
- 9 Ways to Create a Rebellious Heart in Your Child - November 15, 2016
- The Creepy Clown Craze and Your Child - October 20, 2016
