Choking is sold to teens as a safe sexual practice. The research says it never is
Experts are warning that sexual strangulation is increasingly being normalized among young people despite severe health risks including brain damage and death. Research indicates high prevalence rates among those aged 18-39, prompting calls for better education on consent and physical safety.
Why it matters
The normalization of a dangerous sexual practice among youth represents a significant public health and safety concern that requires urgent awareness.
Only a small percentage of adults in midlife and beyond reported being choked in a survey by Dr Debby Herbenick a decade ago; but for those aged 18-39, ‘more than a third of them had reported being choked during sex’. Photograph: Getty Images Only a small percentage of adults in midlife and beyond reported being choked in a survey by Dr Debby Herbenick a decade ago; but for those aged 18-39, ‘more than a third of them had reported being choked during sex’. Photograph: Getty Images Sexual consent 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
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in