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Barrington School Warns Parents After Students Caught Playing 'Hanging' Game

(CBS) -- Boys, ages 7 and 8, are okay after being caught playing a potentially deadly game at the Countryside Elementary School in northwest suburban Barrington. WBM's Bob Roberts reports that parents are being warned.

Other students caught the boys hanging themselves by the shirt collar from hooks in restroom stalls – apparently hoping to get a lightheaded thrill. The other students told staff, who took them off the hooks.

Barrington School Warns Parents After Students Caught Playing 'Hanging' Game

Spokesman Jeff Arnett says District 220 is taking steps to assure it cannot happen in school again.

"Every hook on the back of every bathroom door was removed at that school last night. Every hook on every bathroom stall door throughout all of our district, especially in the elementary schools, will be removed today and tomorrow," said Arnett.

Principal Kimberly Foster-Thomas is praising the student who reported the incident.

"We're very proud of him. We couldn't be more appreciative," said Foster-Thomas.

Parents throughout District 220 have been sent a letter warning them to watch for similar behavior at home.

"That's why it's important to have somebody in the building, whether it's a teacher, another staff member, somebody they trust," said parent Lori Madison.

The Centers for Disease Control says children have died playing similar games, most are between 11 and 16 years old. Nearly all the children who have died, were alone.

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