Choking sex is becoming increasingly common among young people, posing serious health risks. Experts warn that this practice, often normalized by pornography and pop culture, can lead to lifelong injuries. Calls for stricter regulations and preventive measures are growing.
The Rising Danger of Choking Sex Among Youth: A Hidden Threat
The Rising Danger of Choking Sex Among Youth: A Hidden Threat
Young girls believe they are "expected to agree to" choking sex, which has become increasingly common. It may be more dangerous than previously thought. "It has become normalized, and that's a problem," says Zandra Kanakaris from ungarelationer.se.
This week, choking sex has been a hot topic, coinciding with a conference on strangulation violence held by the National Board of Forensic Medicine.
According to the agency, choking sex is becoming more common and is affecting younger age groups.
"Our youth and children are exposed to choking sex at an increasingly younger age, and they carry this with them when they become sexually active," says forensic doctor Eva Rudd at a press conference.
Choking Sex Can Cause Lifelong Injuries
The violence may be more dangerous than previously thought.
According to Eva Rudd, there is a risk of lifelong injury.
"Strangulation is not just about life and death at the moment the grip is around the neck; there are also studies indicating a risk of long-term effects on the brain's higher functions," she says at the press conference.
"Young people who are repeatedly strangled may have problems with learning, processing information, and other issues that persist throughout life."
Increasingly Common Among Youth
The increase in choking sex among young people is evident at the support line ungarelationer.se.
"Children and young people continuously bring up this strangulation violence in conversations with us," says Zandra Kanakaris, Secretary General of the organization 1,000 Opportunities, which runs the site.
She and other experts argue that today, girls believe they are "expected to participate in" choking sex.
In a debate article in Altinget, Zandra Kanakaris raises the issue alongside Olga Persson, chair of Unizon, which gathers 140 women's, girls', and youth shelters.
They write:
"Imagine yourself. You are 15 years old and in high school. A hand tightens around your neck. You struggle to breathe, your vision darkens. You think it's normal, that this is how sex is supposed to be—because that's how it looks in the porn that's almost everywhere online. And the adults around you haven't said otherwise."
"Very Normalized"
"Most often, those who contact us find this strangulation violence scary and shocking. They may not always have been prepared for it. At the same time, it's clear that it is very normalized," says Zandra Kanakaris.
She continues:
"When the girls talk to their friends, they have experienced the same thing. But they reason that it's something they have to endure."
According to Zandra Kanakaris, young people are primarily influenced by pornography, but also by popular culture.
How to Reverse the Trend
She argues that even if there is consent, choking sex is a problem.
"It's a problem that an action that is life-threatening—there is no safe way to strangle someone—becomes normalized. It's a very clear expression of men's and boys' violence against girls. It's really, literally, 'I have my life in your hands and can do what I want.'"
Zandra Kanakaris says it's time for "the adult world to take responsibility to stop the trend." She calls for clearer legislation, regulation of pornography, and preventive conversations.
"It needs to be made clear that strangulation violence is not something that can be consented to."