The parents of a Brisbane boy who choked himself to death playing a game have warned families to be vigilant about dangerous online influences.
The 13-year-old, whose name has been withheld at his parents' request, died on December 30 while playing the so-called "good boys' game".
The game, which is also known by several other names, calls for a person to withhold oxygen to the brain until they pass out, with videos and instructions on how to play available online.
Asphyxial games are not a new phenomenon and have been linked to dozens of deaths worldwide in the past decade, including the suffocation of a 12-year-old boy in England in June, 2016.
Queensland Catholic Education Commission executive director Lee-Anne Perry confirmed the Brisbane boy's death occurred while playing the game.
"The student's parents wish this information to be made public to alert families to this danger," Dr Perry said.
"The parents wish for others to be aware of this activity, particularly online influences that encourage young people to place themselves at risk."
Queensland University of Technology professor and IT expert Axel Bruns said the internet had sped up the spread of information between children.
"It's previously taken weeks and months for something to circulate between playgrounds and schools; this can now happen within days," he told AAP.
Professor Bruns said parents and teachers needed to find the balance between supervising children's internet usage and allowing them to learn how to use the web.
"Some children are critical and cautious of what they see online, possible more than adults, because they are aware of how rumours and misinformation can spread from their own social experience," he said.
A private funeral will be held next week for the Brisbane boy, who has been remembered as a keen cricketer and Aussie rules player.
About the choking game (please don't try this at home):
What is it?
- The "choking game" requires the person to cut off oxygen to the brain, for a natural high
- Called the "good boys' game" because it does not involve taking alcohol or drugs
Who plays it?
- It's a craze with teens online and is played alone or with others
- Sometimes they film themselves and share it online
Why now?
- Asphyxial games are not a new phenomenon but this game has gained popularity with youngsters in the past two years
- Previous cases in the UK include: Jack Pickles, 14, found in his bedroom by his mother in West Yorkshire and Karnel Haughton, 12, in Birmingham, also found in his bedroom passed out.
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