A boy suffered serious cuts to his face after passing out while playing the latest dangerous schoolyard craze - stopping breathing.

Jacob James, 11, had to go to A & E after he held his breath for more than a minute in the playground at Greenfields Community Primary School in Shepway, Maidstone.

The fad is thought to have originated in America, where 11 Florida students were suspended for passing out several years ago.

Jacob’s mother, Karen James, of Dorset Way, Shepway, said she wanted to warn every parent in case their children were tempted to try it.

“Children are holding their breath to see if they can pass out, which is a very dangerous game,” she said.

“Jacob fell flat on his face and had some quite nasty cuts because obviously he couldn’t put out his arms to break his fall.

“They thought he might have broken his nose and a bone in his forehead, but fortunately he was lucky and they were just cuts.

“I didn’t know he was doing it and no-one would believe that’s how he’d cut his face. Obviously children are doing this and parents should be aware.”

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After Jacob was taken to A&E children at Greenfields, in Oxford Road, were all shown the pictures of his injuries and were told never to try the risky 'game’.

Headteacher, Janet Herbert, said: “The school has healthy school status which includes teaching pupils how to keep themselves safe. This was an unusual incident which we hope no other children will try. We did show the picture of Jacob to the other children to warn them what a dangerous thing it was.”

~Listen: kmfm's Susan Hilder speaks to Jacob's mum Karen and Strood doctor Julian Spinks>>>

Maidstone-based parenting coach and family consultant, Alison Byrne, said it was important parents were kept informed.

“Kids will try things, but at least if they know that someone who did try it got hurt it may make them think twice,” she said.

“It helps parents have that choice to talk to their children if they know it’s going on. Sitting down and talking to them about it is definitely a positive thing.”