Shocking Stories of Hazing
We all know that kids can be cruel. Many of us have been victims of bullying or cliques at some point in our lives. When we see our kids having trouble fitting in or even treating other kids cruelly, it’s easy to tell ourselves that they are just going through a stage or that getting picked on is just part of growing up. However, more and more stories are surfacing that illustrate the dangers of mean kids. Hazing has become the most recent focus of concerned parents, but what is hazing exactly, and what can parents do about it?
Deadly Hazing
The recent death of a band member at Florida A&M has led school officials all over the country to look into possible incidents of hazing. Robert Champion, a recent high school graduate was found dead in a school bus after injuries related to hazing. Another band member, Bria Shante Hunter later came forward and said that she had been brutally beaten in a hazing ritual a few weeks earlier.
What is hazing? Essentially, hazing is when a person is initiated into a group by being subjected to ritual humiliation through physical or emotional abuse. Most commonly associated with college fraternities and sororities, hazing is actually found among a wide range of diverse groups like sports teams, academic clubs, gangs and cliques. Experts say they have seen incidents of hazing in kids as young as 12 years old.
If You Suspect Hazing
If you suspect your child may be a victim of hazing or may be hazing other kids, take the following actions.
- Talk to your child. Let him or her know that hazing is never okay, and that it isn’t legal.
- Talk to an adult leader associated with the group doing the hazing. Whether it’s a coach, teacher or community member, most groups that participate in hazing have some kind of adult leadership in place. Express your concerns calmly and clearly. If the adult seems unresponsive, don’t get into a fight. It’s time to move up to the next person in charge.
- Talk to administrators or law officers. If you aren’t being heard, don’t be afraid to approach principals, city officials or the police about your concerns.
Stand Your Ground
Being the person that demands change to a long-standing “tradition” isn’t going to make you popular. Your attempts to end hazing are bound to bring you into contact with a little hostility yourself. Be strong and stand your ground. Hazing is illegal and should never be written off as harmless or routine. Find other parents that share your views and work together until hazing is eliminated from your community.
