Hazing can happen to anyone, at any point in one's membership experience.
Hazing signs can include:
- A concerning mood change after joining a group
- Decreased communication
- Avoidance of non-group members
- Secrecy about group activities
- Mental or physical exhaustion
- Unexplained bruises or signs of pain when moving or sitting
- Wanting to leave a group without explanation
Most hazing is reported by friends and bystanders. A student who is worried that a friend is being hazed should talk with them directly about what they’ve observed of the friend’s physical or mental health, share counseling and reporting resources, and follow up if worries persist.
Know that student support for bystander intervention is high, with 87% of students believing students should intervene when peers are being hazed and 85% supporting bystander intervention when peers engage in unhealthy alcohol use.1
1National College Student Bystander Intervention Study Data Summary Report (2020). WITH US Center for Bystander Intervention at Cal Poly.
Check out this Gordie Center video for more information about the signs of hazing:
What can you do when you suspect hazing?
Know that most students (87%) support reaching out to friends in hazing situations.*
If you're worried about a friend, here are some things you can do to check in with them:
- Share your concerns directly. What signs have you noticed about their physical or mental health?
- ...avoiding friends?
- ...keeping secrets?
- ...concerning mood change?
- Encourage open conversation. Ask:
- "What are the good things about the group?"
- "What are the not-so-good things about the group?"
- Remind your friend of your support.
- Encourage them to reach out to parents, friends, and counseling resources for perspective.
- Continue to follow up, especially if your worries persist.
*National College Student Bystander Intervention Study Data Summary Report (2020). WITH US Center for Bystander Intervention at Cal Poly.
