You came to this page looking for answers.
Maybe you’re wondering if you are experiencing hazing. You may simply want to know what hazing is or can a high school student be hazed?
The Stop Hazing organization offers the following definition of hazing:
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.
Maybe you’re wondering if you are experiencing hazing. You may simply want to know what hazing is or can a high school student be hazed?
The Stop Hazing organization offers the following definition of hazing:
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.
This includes, but is not limited to any situation which:
· Creates a risk of injury to any individual or group
· Causes discomfort to any individual or group
· Causes embarrassment to any individual or group
· Involves harassment of any individual or group
· Involves degradation of any individual or group
· Involves humiliation of an individual or group
· Involves ridicule of an individual or group
· Involves or includes the willful destruction or removal of public or private property for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in an organization.
· Creates a risk of injury to any individual or group
· Causes discomfort to any individual or group
· Causes embarrassment to any individual or group
· Involves harassment of any individual or group
· Involves degradation of any individual or group
· Involves humiliation of an individual or group
· Involves ridicule of an individual or group
· Involves or includes the willful destruction or removal of public or private property for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in an organization.
Still confused? You can also ask yourself these questions:
· Would I feel comfortable participating in this activity if my parents were watching? · Would we get in trouble if the Dean of Students walked by? · Am I being asked to keep these activities a secret? · Am I doing anything illegal? · Does participation violate my values or those of my organization? · Is it causing emotional distress or stress of any kind to me or others? · If someone were injured, would I feel comfortable being investigated by the insurance carrier? · When I apply for jobs, can I take the onus of having a criminal arrest on my record? *Questions provided by the Revolution for Courageous Leadership. You may not associate the term hazing with your situation. Hazing is more common than you may realize and you’re not alone. Hazing in high school has become much more common and publicized. Most recently this was seen when Esbel High School football team was indicted. This short clip from CNN highlights these issues.
What can you do if you feel you are being hazed or see another student being hazed?
· If there is an immediate threat or danger to you or another person, call 911. Do not delay, ACT! · Speak to a trusted high school teacher, coach, or staff member. They are trained to report your concerns and prevent further incidents. · Tell a parent who can report the issue for you. · If you don’t feel comfortable with any of the above suggestions, try this link to our resource page, which can offer further solutions. · Whatever you do, do something. Your action today can STOP the abuse. Hazing is not okay. You have the right to be respected and enjoy school without worrying about abuse from your fellow student. |
This clip shows an autistic teen hazed at his high school.
According to healthfunding.org research shows:
· Nearly 1 out of every 5 high school students said that they experienced hazing just because they reached a certain age or grade level. · Nearly half of all high school students say that they’ve experienced some form of hazing during the year at least once. Below are some excellent myths and facts about hazing, first published by Gordiescall website.
Myth #1: Hazing is a problem primarily for fraternities and sororities. Fact: Hazing is a societal problem. Hazing incidents have been frequently documented in the military, athletic teams, marching bands, religious cults, professional schools and other types of clubs and/or, organizations. Reports of hazing activities in high schools are on the rise. Myth #2: Hazing is no more than foolish pranks that sometimes go awry. Fact: Hazing is an act of power and control over others --- it is victimization. Hazing is pre-meditated and NOT accidental. Hazing is abusive, degrading and often life-threatening. Myth #3: As long as there's no malicious intent, a little hazing should be O.K. Fact: Even if there's no malicious "intent" safety may still be a factor in traditional hazing activities that are considered to be "all in good fun." For example, serious accidents have occurred during scavenger hunts and kidnapping trips. Besides, what purpose do such activities serve in promoting the growth and development of group/team members? Myth #4: Hazing is an effective way to teach respect and develop discipline. Fact: Respect must be EARNED--not taught. Victims of hazing rarely report having respect for those who have hazed them. Just like other forms of victimization, hazing breeds mistrust, apathy and alienation. Myth #5: If someone agrees to participate in an activity, it can't be considered hazing. Fact: In states that have laws against hazing, consent of the victim can't be used as a defense in a civil suit. Even if someone agrees to participate in a potentially hazardous action it may not be true consent when considering the peer pressure and desire to belong to the group. |