WARREN, Mich. – A Warren family is grieving the loss of a 13-year-old boy they say died after taking part in the so-called “Choking Game” — a dangerous social media challenge that briefly cuts off oxygen to produce a quick high.
Now, his mother is speaking out, hoping her son’s story saves another family from the same heartbreak.
A life cut short
Justin Bernath loved sports, music and giving back to his community. By all accounts, he was a kid who lived life fully and loved every moment of it.
“He would have never wanted to die, never. He loved his life, loved life to the fullest. And he would never want that,” said his mother, Erin Bernath.
Justin died June 9 of this year after participating in the dangerous online trend. The “Choking Game” encourages kids to briefly restrict their breathing for a quick rush — a stunt that can cause permanent brain damage or, as in Justin’s case, death.
Not a new danger
The “Choking Game” isn’t new — it’s been around for decades. But social media has given it a wider, faster reach, putting it in front of younger and more vulnerable audiences. Across the country, news organizations are tracking deaths linked to the dangerous challenge.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Rose Moten says the appeal isn’t hard to understand when you consider how the adolescent brain works.
“As adults, we can look at these challenges and say, ‘Why would you engage yourself in something so dangerous?’ But they haven’t reached that stage of development where they understand the consequences of their behavior,” Moten said.
Why kids say yes
Moten says the drive to fit in plays a major role in why children take part in risky online trends.
“Social belongingness is a powerful motivator for children, and it should be,” she said.
She encourages parents to build open, safe relationships with their kids — creating space for honest conversations about the pressures kids face online before a dangerous dare becomes a tragedy.
Justin’s mom becomes his voice
As painful as it is to relive, Erin says her son would have wanted her to speak up.
“Kids are supposed to be kids. They’re not supposed to be doing these crazy things that you know aren’t healthy. ‘But, it’s cool.’ It’s not cool. It’s not cool. I think life is cool. I think my son living is cool, you know?” she said.
Surrounded by family and friends who chant “Justin Strong,” Erin is spreading that message — and calling on social media platforms to do more to remove harmful content before it reaches another child.
Justin’s grandmother, Lori Danek, echoed that call with a simple, powerful hope.
“If we can help one family not feel the grief that we have, it will be worth it,” Danek said.
Through it all, Erin draws strength from the boy she lost — and the words he left her with.
“He used to call me his warrior and say, ‘Mom, you can do anything.’ So it’s helping more and more,” she said. The family has set up a GoFundMe to honor Justin’s legacy. Click here to donate.
TikTok, Meta and YouTube were contacted about their practices regarding the removal of dangerous content. As of publication, none had responded.
Watch the full interview below