College can come with a lot of social pressures. Sometimes, in a student's efforts to make fast friends or join a particular group, they can find ourselves in uncomfortable or dangerous situations.
Here are four things families should know about hazing.
What is hazing?
Hazing includes any activities expected of a person to join or participate in a group that has the potential to humiliate, degrade, abuse, endanger or risk emotional and/or physical harm. Hazing can also include any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally causes harm.
When we talk about hazing, it’s important to know that a student’s willingness to participate in a given activity or task does not make it okay.
Who is at risk?
It’s important to know that hazing can happen in any group, including:
The risk of hazing can differ from group to group depending on a number of factors, including group culture and tolerance for hazing behaviors. Encourage your student to take some time to reflect on the types of groups they want to join and why. This can help them understand what types of relationships and experiences they want to have in college. It can also help them outline what activities they are or are not comfortable doing in order to be part of a given group.
If your student is considering joining a group, try asking them the following questions:
What does hazing look like?
Hazing encompasses a wide range of activities. These activities are often required of specific members of the group, such as new recruits. Additionally, they are often meant to take priority over other activities in a person’s life as part of the initiation process.
Here are some examples of what hazing can look like in real life.
Intimidation
Harm to well-being
Violence/physical harm
(Allan, 2015; Allan & Kerschner, 2020; Adapted from Bringing in the Bystander)
Due to the nature of these activities, many hazing behaviors go unrecognized and unreported.
It’s important to know that groups who participate in these types of hazing activities or rituals often swear members to secrecy about all aspects of the group, including initiation requirements and activities. Encouraging your student to speak up about hazing, even when it interferes with a group’s expectations, can help prevent it from escalating or happening to other members.
What can I do about hazing?
Hazing can be a sensitive topic, especially if someone has been subjected to degrading, humiliating or violent behaviors and activities.
Here are a few things you can do if you think your student may be at risk for experiencing hazing.
