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Being Aware of Hazing
As students get involved with various organizations, the positives far outweigh the negatives. However, one serious behavior to be aware of is hazing – or illegal activities that “newbies” are forced to go through to “earn” group membership. It can happen in various groups, from bands to membership organizations to athletic teams. And it’s never okay.
It can be tough to get students to talk about hazing. Sometimes, this is because they don’t even recognize the activities as hazing. Plus, responses to hazing activities can vary. Some students view them as a personal challenge, while others view them as abuse or harassment.
If you suspect that your student is involved in hazing-related activities, watch for these signs:
- Physical signs such as exhaustion, hangovers, increased illness, scars or bruising
- A decrease in performance in school, sports, etc.
- Feelings of anger, confusion, anxiety or depression
- Avoiding conversations related to the group or the activities they have been engaged in
If you have a concern, talk with your student. And remind her that there are many people on campus she can go to for assistance, too, from campus ministry to residence hall staff to advisors, counselors, coaches and more. No one should be subjected to hazing!
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