This paper describes autoerotic asphyxia (AEA), using strangulation to enhance the pleasure of masturbation. AEA claims the lives of between 250-1,000 U.S. young men each year (though it is likely that it is underreported). Though AEA is found primarily among males, females participate, but in far smaller numbers. The most common motivation for adolescent AEA is thrill seeking and/or sexual experimentation in combination with a pseudo-masochistic fantasy of bondage and pain. AEA deaths represent a significant proportion of the overall adolescent suicide rate. Deceased victims tend to be white, middle class, unmarried males who are usually well-adjusted, non-depressed, high achievers. Suicidal intent is rarely evident. AEA practitioners perform AEA in order to enhance sexual pleasure through hypoxic euphoria induced by strangulation. In nearly all cases, a safety or escape system is built in, so accidental deaths tend to be due to failure of the safety mechanism. This paper presents six characteristics of typical AEA death scenes that distinguish AEA from other suicide and lists warning signs for parents and teachers. It explains how adolescents find information on AEA through the mass media and the Internet. The paper suggests that student-oriented education aimed at preventing or lowering risks to AEA behavior be presented in health education classes, as well as other secondary school classes. Also, parent and teacher association meetings, which focus on the warning signs and symptoms, as well as the relative risk of mis-education, should be organized. (Contains 49 references.) (SM)