How can educators prevent hazing in high schools?
Prevention of hazing in high schools should be a focus of school administrators, counselors, teachers and coaches. Stop Hazing reports that about 47.5% of high school students experience hazing. Since hazing occurs across many types of student groups within a high school setting, it’s important for all members of the community to learn about this issue.
Alfred University conducted a study regarding high school students and hazing. Pollard, a researcher involved in this study, found that 40% of students being hazed do not disclose these events to adults. In order to ensure student safety, it’s important for educators to teach students the definition of hazing and how to report incidents. This study provides guidance on how educators can help prevent and address hazing in the high school setting.
Alfred University conducted a study regarding high school students and hazing. Pollard, a researcher involved in this study, found that 40% of students being hazed do not disclose these events to adults. In order to ensure student safety, it’s important for educators to teach students the definition of hazing and how to report incidents. This study provides guidance on how educators can help prevent and address hazing in the high school setting.
How can educators address hazing with parents and students?
Educators can start addressing hazing in high schools by placing information in a student handbook and conducting information sessions. This information is to help the entire community; administrators, teachers, school staff, students and parents.
*Information provided by Education World
In this handbook and information sessions, the following should be included:
· A definition of hazing
· Describe why hazing is wrong
· Establish anti-hazing rules and outline consequences for breaking the rules
· Encourage students to come forward to educators if they are being hazed; the educators are there to help and address any issues
· Provide help with building positive team-building exercises
· Provide examples of appropriate and inappropriate behavior
· Schools can require parents and students to sign documents stating they have learned what hazing is and the consequences of participating in said behavior
Educators can start addressing hazing in high schools by placing information in a student handbook and conducting information sessions. This information is to help the entire community; administrators, teachers, school staff, students and parents.
*Information provided by Education World
In this handbook and information sessions, the following should be included:
· A definition of hazing
· Describe why hazing is wrong
· Establish anti-hazing rules and outline consequences for breaking the rules
· Encourage students to come forward to educators if they are being hazed; the educators are there to help and address any issues
· Provide help with building positive team-building exercises
· Provide examples of appropriate and inappropriate behavior
· Schools can require parents and students to sign documents stating they have learned what hazing is and the consequences of participating in said behavior
Creating an Anti-Hazing Policy
According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, an ideal anti-hazing policy would include: Purpose, General Statement of Policy, Definition, Reporting Procedures, School District Action, Reprisal, and Dissemination of Policy. Please click on link above to learn more details about each of the portions of an ideal policy.
Also, many schools use a service called, report-it.com. This is a reporting site which high schools can pay a yearly fee to use and it enables students to anonymously report inappropriate behavior including incidents of hazing.
Educator Resources
Resources which were used to create this page; and for educators to learn more about hazing, steps in preventing it, and how to address this issue:
· Alfred University Study; Initiative Rites of American High Schools: A National Survey
· Education World®- Connecting educators to what works
· National Federation of State High School Associations
· Report-it.com
· Stop Hazing
According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, an ideal anti-hazing policy would include: Purpose, General Statement of Policy, Definition, Reporting Procedures, School District Action, Reprisal, and Dissemination of Policy. Please click on link above to learn more details about each of the portions of an ideal policy.
Also, many schools use a service called, report-it.com. This is a reporting site which high schools can pay a yearly fee to use and it enables students to anonymously report inappropriate behavior including incidents of hazing.
Educator Resources
Resources which were used to create this page; and for educators to learn more about hazing, steps in preventing it, and how to address this issue:
· Alfred University Study; Initiative Rites of American High Schools: A National Survey
· Education World®- Connecting educators to what works
· National Federation of State High School Associations
· Report-it.com
· Stop Hazing