In a youth club discussion session about sexual health, two young men brought up the topic of asphyxiation and said how great it was. I am worried these young people are trying out things that are potentially harmful.
Many young people claim to be having sex when in fact they are not, but they want to be seen to be in the “know”. They might be testing the water to see what reaction they get.
They might have seen something online or in a movie that features risky sexual behaviour; they could have heard about it through gossip or archives of famous celebrities that have died as a result; or it might be something they don’t understand and wanted more information about.
We owe it to young people to answer their queries or concerns as far as we can. Do some fact-finding with them (not forgetting to do some research first on this subject) about such risky behaviour and set out the dangers at the same time. If you don’t feel you can do this yourself, you could direct them to brook.org.uk, youthhealthtalk.org and besavvy.org.uk.
Answered by Tracie Trimmer-Platman, senior lecturer in youth and community work at the University of East London
Email questions, marked “Experts”, to cypnow@markallengroup.com
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