Superintendent of Schools James E. Richmond is alerting parents today of a possible health risk some children are taking when playing a "knockout" or "pass out" challenge.

Three students were taken today from schools to the hospital after holding their breath until they passed out. Several other students who were suspected of attempting the "challenge" were also seen by school nurses but were not taken to a hospital.

The challenge "game" is dangerous because it deprives the brain of oxygen, causing the person to pass out.  When the person goes unconscious, they fall and are at danger of striking their head on the floor, wall or other nearby objects.

"Students are learning about these challenges through social media sites such as YouTube and Facebook, which are blocked at our schools but easily accessible through smart phones and outside computers. We are reminding parents to monitor the sites their children are viewing in order to help us curb this dangerous behavior," Richmond said.

Additionally, school officials received information that students may also be engaging in a "cinnamon challenge," where they ingest large amounts of the spice. This can create a blockage of the windpipe, causing a person to vomit or suffer respiratory distress.

Richmond is asking parents to work with the school system to educate children about the dangers of these types of games and challenges and the possibility of severe health risks.

Principals at each of Charles County's public schools will speak to their students tomorrow morning during announcements alerting them of the health risks of these challenges and the potential consequences of the behavior.

Students participating in these challenges face possible disciplinary actions for disruption of the school day and parents will be notified.

Parents who may have information to share or need more information can contact the office of student services at 301-934-7326.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator (students), or Keith Hettel, Section 504 Coordinator (employees/adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, Maryland 20646; (301) 932-6610/870-3814. For special accommodations call (301) 934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.