What’s behind the dangerous rise of sexual choking? - podcast
News Source
•Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:00:29 GMT
📰 What Happened
A 16-year-old girl has died in Sydney's northern beaches from a suspected act of sexual strangulation. Police are investigating her death. The case has put a spotlight on a dangerous trend. More than half of people under 40 say they have tried sexual choking.
The Guardian's Full Story podcast has looked closely at the case. Host Matilda Boseley spoke with global editor Lucy Clark and lifestyle editor Alyx Gorman. They asked why so many young people wrongly believe choking during sex is safe. They also explored what education and regulation can do.
The podcast points to research showing choking is never a safe sexual practice. It argues the risks are much bigger than people think.
🔍 The Backstory
Sexual choking has become common in recent years. It appears more and more in mainstream pornography. Many young people learn about sex from these sources. That is why so many now believe the act is safe and normal.
Australian research has tracked this growing trend. Studies show a large share of young adults have tried sexual strangulation. The practice cuts off blood flow to the brain. It can cause seizures, brain damage, and even death.
The death of the teenager has shocked the community. It has raised hard questions about young people and risky sex. It has also put pressure on the porn industry to take responsibility.
🎯 Why It Matters
This story shows how a deadly act became normal in young people's sex lives. Learning the real risks can save lives. It also pushes for better education and stronger rules on harmful content.
A 16-year-old girl has died in Sydney's northern beaches from a suspected act of sexual strangulation. Police are investigating her death. The case has put a spotlight on a dangerous trend. More than half of people under 40 say they have tried sexual choking.
The Guardian's Full Story podcast has looked closely at the case. Host Matilda Boseley spoke with global editor Lucy Clark and lifestyle editor Alyx Gorman. They asked why so many young people wrongly believe choking during sex is safe. They also explored what education and regulation can do.
The podcast points to research showing choking is never a safe sexual practice. It argues the risks are much bigger than people think.
Sexual choking has become common in recent years. It appears more and more in mainstream pornography. Many young people learn about sex from these sources. That is why so many now believe the act is safe and normal.
Australian research has tracked this growing trend. Studies show a large share of young adults have tried sexual strangulation. The practice cuts off blood flow to the brain. It can cause seizures, brain damage, and even death.
The death of the teenager has shocked the community. It has raised hard questions about young people and risky sex. It has also put pressure on the porn industry to take responsibility.
This story shows how a deadly act became normal in young people's sex lives. Learning the real risks can save lives. It also pushes for better education and stronger rules on harmful content.