The Sissy Game….leads to By Kim Silverthorn Project PEACE Mental Health Capacity Building In Schools Initiative

Sissy Game "Erasing" is essentially a game of chicken where kids use standard, rubber erasers to vigorously "erase" along the cords that run from the wrist to the knuckle, along the backs of their hands. Kids will eventually tear open the skin, causing bruising and bleeding. Kids compete as to who can "erase" the longest.

Self Harm The intentional act of tissue destruction to one’s own body No intention to die Sometimes shifts emotional pain (not liking self; worried about not being accepted by others; being upset about others things) to a more acceptable/easy to deal with physical pain

Examples of Self Harm Sissy Game Choking Game Cutting/Burning Pinching Inserting Objects Under the Skin Punching Self/Getting Beat up as Initiation Pulling Hair Out Biting Ingesting (Swallowing) Harmful Substances

What's the Attraction? A brief sense of Euphoria/Up Feelings Peer Pressure of a dare or game of chicken, Hazing/Initiation Into a Group Entertainment, General curiosity (kids don’t see it as serious as using drugs or alcohol)

But it is safer than using drugs... right? WRONG!!! It is not any safer than using drugs - it can be just as deadly. It also seems to be addictive to the individuals doing this. There are many ways that this activity can harm you. G.A.S.P. – Games Adolescents Shouldn’t Play (2008)

Deeper Issues A coping strategy from emotional pain or stress - to feel something/anything - to get attention/a reaction from others - to punish self - to avoid something - to mimic others (peers, celebrities) - a cry for help

Consequences Pain Burning/Bruising Infections Blood Illness/Disease Scars Permanent Damage to nerves at surface of skin Leads to more aggressive behaviours like…

The Choking Game Someone can become unconscious in a matter of seconds. Within three minutes of continued strangulation (i.e., hanging), basic functions such as memory, balance, and the central nervous system start to fail. Death occurs shortly after. This also includes: Bruises and concussions, Broken bones. Seizures, Brain Damage, Memory Loss, Retinal hemorrhaging, Stroke, DEATH among others

Video

What Can I do??? Say No – Stop Tell Someone Get Help – for yourself or your friend

When the Pressure is On… It's not always easy to resist negative peer pressure, but when you do, it is easy to feel good about it afterwards. And you may even be a positive influence on your peers who feel the same way — often it just takes one person to speak out or take a different action to change a situation. – Your friends may follow if you have the courage to do something different or refuse to go along with the group. Consider yourself a leader, and know that you have the potential to make a difference. TeensHealth.org

How can I say, “No”? Use Humor – “No, I need all the brain cells I’ve got!” Walk Away – Leave if people ask you to do it Give a reason – “No, it’s dumb and it can hurt you!” Strength in numbers – Hang out with peers who won’t do this Avoid the situation – If you know peers that are doing it, don’t go with them G.A.S.P. – Games Adolescents Shouldn’t Play (2008

What should I do? If you are doing it, STOP! If you know someone else who is, tell them to stop. Do not take their word for it – tell an adult about it. But my friend will get mad… It is better to have a friend mad at you for helping them – or even saving them - than having a seriously hurt/dead friend. Your friend may not realize you are saving them, but trust me you are doing them a real favour!

Who Can Help?? YOU tell me!!!!

References – – – – es/courier_times_news_details/article/28/2010/no vember/05/parents-warned-of-kids-game.html es/courier_times_news_details/article/28/2010/no vember/05/parents-warned-of-kids-game.html