The Growing Issue of Hazing in High School

Clubs and sports teams are a popular interest in high schools worldwide. Though some clubs and sports teams may be really simple to get into, others might have a try out or some sort of initiation in order to get it. A common fom of initiation that usually takes place after an individual is into a sport or club is hazing. Hazing has been a common issue in high schools worldwide, “Almost 1.5 million high school students have been targeted by hazing activities.

Many experiencing their first incident of hazing before the age of 13” (Caudill). It is very important to know what hazing is so that it can be recognized and actions can be made to take care of the issue. Hazing can include risk of injury, overall discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, degradation, humiliation, ridicule, and destruction of property.

Although hazing is a problem in our schools today, it is being noticed further and people are starting to take action, more students are getting recognized and punished fairly for their actions, and awareness groups are working hard to detect hazing.

With the common occurrence of hazing in high school groups, it is understandable why many believe the issue of hazing is not being taken care of. Hazing is more common with male tud rather than female students. Also, students with lower grade point averages are significantly more likely to be involved with forms of hazing than those with higher grade point averages, but actions are definitely taken. Many accounts show that actions are being taken with hazing issues.

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For example, in a news article on hazing it reads, “More charges have been filed against three teens in a reported high school hazing case. Police said the students involved in the reported incidents are Seth Pille, 18, Michael Schaffer, 17, and Tristan Mewes, 16. They were already charged with hazing and simple assault and now are also charged with three counts each of third-degree sexual abuse. All three are expected to be charged as adults” (Peng). There are many more cases showing that hazing is being recognized. This just goes to prove that students are being adequately punished for their actions and that people are fighting to keep hazing under control. People are not just letting the problem of hazing pass them by like it’s nothing. There are many different ways schools will handle problems dealing with hazing.

Punishments may vary according to the school. Most schools have an anti-hazing policy. Actions are punishable by a diversity of consequences at the school’s level. Consequences can include being suspended from school or even being kicked out of the school. In an article on hazing punishments it reads, “Organizations should not be singled out for their problems with hazing when hazing has taken place in other organizations just as much. Whether the group is an organization, athletic team or any other student organization on campus, hazing should be treated the same” (Echo Staff). Regardless of any group association with hazing, the rules to take care of hazing must be applied fairly so that there is no way to beat around the bush. If actions are not treated fairly than it will be extremely difficult to eliminate from the school and discipline those involved adequately.

Awareness groups are taking action by making hazing a well known issue in schools. There are many schools that have structured organizations to help those who have been oppressed by hazing. In an article on anti-hazing, “More than 250,000 students are subjected to hazing rituals, students believe that hazing is part of campus culture, and 27 percent of students feel that adults would not be able to handle a hazing situation properly.” Organizations have been working hard to diminish hazing from their schools. During the month of September, National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW) takes place.

NHPW provides awareness about hazing and helps educate those who don’t know much about the problem. There are many more programs and organizations that are helping to raise awareness for hazing. It is a national issue and many are dedicated to prevent it from getting out of hand.Hazing is a definite problem in schools, however it is being noticed further and people are starting to take action. It is recognizable where hazing is taking place in schools. Punishments for those participating are given fairly and equally. Awareness groups are working hard to detect hazing. If someone you know has been or is a victim of hazing, don’t let it become unnoticed.

Work Cited

1. Caudill, Kathy. “What Is Hazing.” National Federation of State High School Associations. 24 July 2014.
   Web. 14 Dec. 2015.
2. Peng, Vanessa. “Teens Face Even More Charges in High School Hazing.” KCCI. 29 Oct. 2015. Web. 14 Dec. 2015.
3. Staff, Echo. “Hazing Incident Shows Problems with Punishment.” The Echo. 10 Apr. 2013. Web. 14 Dec. 2015.
4. Starr, Linda. “Hazing: Not Just a College Problem Anymore.” Education World:. 2007. Web. 14 Dec.2015
5. “The Anti Hazing Law Controversy.” NoBullyingBullying CyberBullying Resources. 24 Aug. 2014. Web.14 Dec. 2015.