57% of young Australians experience sexual strangulation during sex
A survey found 57 per cent of young Australians have been strangled during sex; experts warn there is no safe way.
A 2024 survey of 4,702 young Australians found that 57 per cent had experienced sexual strangulation during sex. The practice, also called breath play or choking, involves restricting air or blood flow to the neck.
A 16-year-old Sydney girl is believed to have died from asphyxiation during consensual sex after allegedly being choked. Experts say there is no safe way to engage in strangulation.
Risks include serious injury, brain injury, death and legal consequences even when both people consent. Young people are exposed to pornography early, with the average age 13 and some as young as eight.
Sexual health educators say parents need to provide honest information about consent, boundaries and respect, and that giving information does not encourage activity.
- 4,702
- Survey respondents
- 57%
- Experienced strangulation
- 18 to 35
- Age range surveyed
- 13 years
- Average pornography exposure age
Why it mattersDeaths and injuries from sexual strangulation are preventable. Young people who understand the risks and can talk openly with trusted adults are safer.
AustraliaAustralian parents and educators need to discuss sexual safety with teenagers to prevent harm among young people now exposed to these practices early.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 8 d ago
