Choking is sold to teens as a safe sexual practice. The research says it never is
More and more young people are engaging in sexual strangulation. But experts say there’s no safe pressure – and we have to start talking to teenagers about it When touching someone’s throat, it can only take the pressure of a handshake to cause serious injury, unconsciousness or death. These injuries, which include brain damage and stroke, are often internal and invisible, showing up days or even…
A concerning trend is emerging as young people increasingly engage in sexual strangulation, yet experts warn that there is no such thing as a safe practice. When applying pressure to someone's throat, even the gentle grip of a handshake can inflict severe injury, unconsciousness, or prove fatal. The consequences, including brain damage and stroke, are frequently internal and may not manifest until several days or months after the incident. It appears that many individuals involved in sexual choking are oblivious to the inherent dangers.
According to Prof Heather Douglas from the Melbourne Law School, sexual strangulation is prevalent among young people. A 2024 survey conducted by her research team among 4,702 Australians aged 18 to 35 revealed that 57% had experienced sexual strangulation at some point, 51% reported having strangled a partner, and an alarming 43.9% participated in both acts.
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