What should be done about hazing

If not recognized, reported, and properly addressed, hazing can become a systemic, self-perpetuating problem. The environments where hazing most often occurs — student clubs, organizations, and teams — are living-learning laboratories for leadership development.

If hazing is happening in these groups, our leaders-in-training may be learning that humiliating, harassing, or violent behavior is an accepted or expected way to induct new members and build cohesion. Like bullying, the problem of hazing has existed for many decades, yet research about the nature and extent of hazing and its prevention is in nascent stages of development. With more than three decades of experience, StopHazing is a trailblazer in research-to-practice initiatives that are building the knowledge base needed to promote inclusive school, campus, and organizational climates where healthy leadership, well-being, and belonging are cultivated and sustained.

Hazing: The Issue What is hazing? Blog Contact Subscribe Donate. Leave the group. This is hard to do, but it is always an option. Walking away from hazing takes strength. Don't believe it if anyone tries to tell you that it is sign of weakness or that you weren't tough enough to take it. Quitting when you are being hazed takes character, courage, and integrity.

There are likely others in the group that will leave with you but need someone like you to take the first step. Talk to a health care provider or mental health professional to help you sort out what to do. Call if there is an immediate threat to your safety or the safety of others. We cannot stop hazing if we don't know about it. What are Initiation Rites? How Do We Stop Hazing. How Would Students Prevent Hazing?

Over a quarter referred to hazing as an integral part of tradition and culture and therefore extremely difficult to prevent. Students said it would take a "breakdown of tradition" to stop it. One student said there is "no way to prevent hazing without drastically changing our culture. Commitment to civility, community, and equality: School officials must say it's not acceptable and stress equality, self-respect, and respect for others.

There need to be good role models, parenting, and early learning, with support and rewards for good behavior and those students who speak out against hazing.