Twin Falls, Idaho (KMVT-TV) The choking game claims the lives of dozens of kids nationwide every year.

In the last few years, two young boys in our community lost their lives due to self–inflicted strangulation after reportedly playing the choking game.

Eighty to one–hundred kids die each year playing the choking game, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

As Patti O'Dell, the Assistant Superintendent of the Twin Falls School District explains, it's a game that's been around for some time.

"I've been in education for twenty–five years or more. And, I've heard it referred to over the course of my career as the fainting game, the pass out game," said O’Dell.

Throughout the years there have been dozens of other names for the dangerous game.

In a survey released by the CDC in 2010 revealed shocking statistics.

Nearly forty percent of 8,000 8th graders polled had heard of the choking game, and roughly thirty percent had known someone who participated in the behavior.

"It seems that periodically there will be an intensity in the number of cases that are happening in any one area," said O’Dell.

Here are some warning signs to be aware of.

"If a child has been in his/her room for a period of time and then comes out and has blood shot eyes, appears disoriented," said O’Dell.

Other signs include severe headaches, marks on the neck and choking devices.

"If parents notice dog leashes or ropes or other devices that could be used for choking in their bedroom," said O’Dell.

In the Magic Valley, two young boys have lost their lives, since April of last year, as a result of the choking game.

O'Dell recommends parents talk with school officials if they believe their children are participating in the deadly game.

Together they can work to solve the problem.

Recent statistics show 82 percent of choking game victims are male and just eighteen percent are female.

However, the number of female victims has risen by five percent since 2009.