If you are the parent of a high school student and are not sure where to begin, you've come to the right place!
What IS hazing?
"To haze another person, regardless of the person's consent to participate. Hazing means an act that, as an explicit or implicit condition for initiation to, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in a group or organization, (1) could be seen by a reasonable person as endangering the physical health of an individual or as causing mental distress to an individual through, for example, humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning treatment, (2) destroys or removes public or private property, (3) involves the consumption of alcohol or drugs, or the consumption of other substances to excess, or (4) violates any University policy." (https://hazing.cornell.edu/)
According to Stop Hazing it refers to any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades, or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.
Instances of hazing are on the rise and it comes in many formats. Every group or organization will use it differently. If you have children in high school, it’s wise to educate yourself on the types of hazing students today are experiencing. Knowing what’s out there will help you protect your children and detect any hazing before it gets too dangerous.
"To haze another person, regardless of the person's consent to participate. Hazing means an act that, as an explicit or implicit condition for initiation to, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in a group or organization, (1) could be seen by a reasonable person as endangering the physical health of an individual or as causing mental distress to an individual through, for example, humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning treatment, (2) destroys or removes public or private property, (3) involves the consumption of alcohol or drugs, or the consumption of other substances to excess, or (4) violates any University policy." (https://hazing.cornell.edu/)
According to Stop Hazing it refers to any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades, or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.
Instances of hazing are on the rise and it comes in many formats. Every group or organization will use it differently. If you have children in high school, it’s wise to educate yourself on the types of hazing students today are experiencing. Knowing what’s out there will help you protect your children and detect any hazing before it gets too dangerous.
How will I know if my child has been a victim of hazing?
Students engaged in group sports and organizations are more likely to be exposed to hazing rituals. It may involve physical risk or be demeaning and dangerous. While there’s no way to include every hazing ritual that could be used we believe that being asked to join an organization should never involve being required to:
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Research indicates that while nearly half of all high school students experience hazing, very few of them understand they’re victims of hazing and never report the behavior. Unfortunately, the effects of hazing may be deeper than the initial act the student was asked to perform.
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What should I do?
As a parent, your children may share their experiences with you. You are also the most likely to notice a change in their behavior. When your children enter high school, sign up to join an organization, or agree to participate in school activities talk to them about hazing and keep the following in mind:
As a parent, your children may share their experiences with you. You are also the most likely to notice a change in their behavior. When your children enter high school, sign up to join an organization, or agree to participate in school activities talk to them about hazing and keep the following in mind:
- Teach your children that no one has the right to violate their body.
- Protect your children by making the school and other authorities accountable for the actions of their employees, endorsed groups, and students.
- Support your children when they sense danger or injustice. Discuss actions that they might do.
- If you are a bystander in any situation, consider your options and explain them to your children.
- Have discussions about responsibility and consequences - legal and ethical.
- Check to see the kinds of adult supervision, rules and laws that are in place for the location that your children will be in.
- Let your children know, that regardless of the stated policy, if there is a true emergency, where they are significantly threatened, that they can reach you by phone; and that they should call.