Sending a child off to college typically holds contradicting emotions for parents. On the one hand, it’s time for your son or daughter to forge their way as an adult. At the same time, you hope the values you instilled will influence the decisions made over the next four years.
Whether a sports team, music ensemble or academic club is of interest to your student, creating a sense of belonging will likely be a vital part of his or her college experience. However, are you aware of what some kids go through to prove they should be included in a group?
Potential signs of hazing
Members of virtually every organization could participate in hazing activities of some sort. However, the intentional harassment, embarrassment and potential danger to the pledges can have a detrimental effect.
To become part of a specific group, kids often endure treatment that could compromise the most well-behaved student. If you worry about hazing affecting your child, be aware of changes such as:
- Exhaustion
- Unexplained bruises
- Isolating behaviors
- Alcohol poisoning
- Involvement with law enforcement
Although students might accept maltreatment as a Greek pledge, they may be unaware of how dangerous initiation rites can become.
Joining an organization shouldn’t risk a student’s health or well-being
Research suggests that hazing activities can cause traumatic injuries among students. In some cases, beatings and forced excessive alcohol consumption claim the lives of young adults.
The physical and psychological effects of trauma could have long-term repercussions. The anti-hazing legislation put in effect last September factors in accountability for those responsible.