Police are warning parents about a new online trend, after a schoolboy, aged 12, lost consciousness and bit through his tongue.

The trend involves children putting their arm around the neck of another child and applying pressure until the child 'taps out', in what is being dubbed as the 'pass out challenge', the 'flat liner' or the 'choking game'.

Yesterday (July 5), officers we were called to a school in Chorley, after receiving reports of a concerning incident involving the online trend, which is thought to be being replicated by young people across the world.

A spokesperson for the police said: "The ‘trend’ involves children putting their arm around the neck of another child, and applying pressure until the child ‘taps out’.

"It’s known as the 'pass out challenge', the 'flat liner' or the 'choking game'.

"During the incident yesterday a boy, aged 12, lost consciousness and bit through his tongue.

"He was taken to hospital for treatment and has subsequently been discharged.

"We know young people often see these challenges as just a bit of fun, but they can be incredibly dangerous and there have been reports nationally of even more serious injuries.

"We would urge parents and carers to be aware of this craze and to look out for signs that their kids may be getting involved."

The signs children are involved in this trend can include:

  • Constant headaches
  • Blood shot eyes
  • Marks around the neck and body.

The spokesperson went on: "Please speak to the young people in your family about the dangers of these types of trends and about how peer pressure can often lead to dangerous outcomes."