The document discusses hazing and its prevalence in schools and sports. It defines hazing as any activity that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers someone joining a group. Surveys found that 80% of college athletes reported experiences that meet the definition of hazing, with 21% experiencing dangerous or illegal acts. In high schools, 91% of students in groups reported being hazed, and types of hazing experienced included humiliating acts (43%), substance use (23%), and dangerous/illegal acts (29%). The document recommends prevention through clear policies, education of all parties, and promoting positive initiation alternatives like community service.

1. Violence in Schools Hazing

2. Mass. Hazing Statute … any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.

3. Normal Conflict Occurs naturally in every environment Viewed as healthy Helps with decision making, conflict resolution, developing negotiating skills, listening skills, assertiveness, and perspective taking

4. Normal Conflict vs. Hazing Equal power- friends Happens occasionally Accidental Not serious Equal emotional reaction Not seeking power or attention Not trying to get something Remorse-take responsibility Effort to solve the problem Imbalance of power Purposeful Serious threat Strong one-sided emotional reaction Seeking power, control Trying to gain power No remorse- blame??? No problem

5. Bullying vs. Hazing Imbalance of power; not friends Repeated negative action Purposeful Serious- threat of physical, emotional, psychological harm Strong emotional reaction on part of the victim Seeking power, control Trying to gain material things or power No remorse-blames victim No effort to solve problem Imbalance of power; could be friends Negative action usually with a timetable Purposeful Serious- threat of physical, emotional, psychological harm Strong emotional reaction on part of the victim Seeking power, control Trying to gain power No remorse- blame??? Problem??

6. Why Sports? Tradition Builds team cohesion Teaches discipline Teaches respect Builds and proves mental and physical toughness

7. Hazing Defined Alfred University Study: “…any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers, regardless of the person’s willingness, to participate. Types of Hazing: Questionable Alcohol related Unacceptable and potentially illegal

8. Hazing in College Sports 80% reported experiencing behaviors defined as hazing 12% labeled it as hazing 19% exclusive to acceptable initiations 19% experienced questionable hazing 39% experienced substance-related hazing 21% experienced dangerous or illegal hazing

9. Gender Differences Female athletes more likely to engage in positive initiation activities Men are more likely to engage in dangerous or illegal hazing

10. Why is this an issue for school-aged children? 42% of those sampled reported being first hazed in high school 5% said first hazed in middle school

11. Hazing in High Schools 91% of all students involved in a school group 48% of students reported being hazed when joining some group 15% labeled it as such

12. Types of Hazing Experienced in High Schools 43% experienced humiliating hazing 23% experienced substance related hazing 29% dangerous and illegal acts 25% subjected to hazing before age 13

13. Hazing in High School Sports 67% involved in athletics 24% reported experiences qualifying as hazing 16% peer groups and gangs (22) 8% music, art, and theater (39) 7% church groups (29)

14. Who’s At Risk? Low GPA Males Who knew adult who had been hazed (31) Consider hazing socially acceptable (35)

15. Victim Reports 40% said would not report to adults 27% said adults would not know how to handle it right

16. Myths Boys will be boys minimizing Builds team cohesion and teaches discipline and respect Voluntary

17. Prevention Clear policy and procedures Education Athletes/students/bystanders Coaches/teachers Administrators Parents Provide replacement behavior Positive initiation rites

18. Positive Initiations Community service Ropes courses