In this day and age, it’s hard to believe that hazing and bullying can still exist. There have been so many studies showing how damaging it can be. So how can that kind of behavior still happen? Unfortunately, it’s easier than ever for teens to bully each other in this technological age. They can easily target each other on social media channels and make life miserable. But life doesn’t happen entirely online. Physical in-person bullying and hazing still happen as well. And the after effects of teen hazing and bullying can be more serious than you might expect. 

What is teen hazing?

Hazing is typically banned from most schools and sports teams, and -in some cases- it is even illegal. Unlike bullying, hazing occurs when the senior members of a group (Ex: team, fraternity, older high school students, etc.) put the newbies through some humiliating or painful experience before allowing them to become part of the group.  There are 3 main components of hazing:

1. Group implications
2. Humiliating or dangerous behavior
3. Happens whether they like it or not

Bullying is similar but not the same. People get hazed when they are entering a group. Maybe they’re choosing the group (like joining a team) or maybe they’re thrust into the group (like becoming a freshman in high school).  Bullying happens when someone in a more powerful position (Ex: cooler kid at school, teacher, coach, etc.) picks on someone to make that person look bad and make the powerful person look even better. The person being bullied does not become part of the powerful group, and the bullying can continue for a long time.  In both situations, the after-effects of teen hazing or bullying can be devastating. This is especially true if the behavior is severe or long-lasting. 

What are the after-effects of teen hazing?

The after-effects of teen hazing and bullying vary. In more severe cases, long-term problems can include:

• Lowered self-esteem
• Shame
• Guilt
• Depression
• Social anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Social isolation
• PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

If your teen experienced severe or ongoing abuse, they could benefit from professional therapeutic treatment to overcome the effects of their experience. 

Helping your teen after hazing

Listen to them If your teen has experienced hazing or bullying, the biggest thing you can do to help them is to listen to them. Give them opportunities to talk about how they feel and listen non-judgmentally. They might feel ashamed of what happened, so your reaction matters. They need to know that you love them and that you will help them recover from it.  Step in Once you learn that hazing or bullying have occurred, step in to keep it from happening again. In both situations, the abuse only happens because the people in power let it happen. Teen hazing is not tolerated in most institutions, and severe hazing is typically illegal. Bring the situation to light so that it doesn’t happen again.  Provide opportunities for healing Teens who experience abuse of any sort need a chance to heal, both physically and emotionally. If your teen’s self-worth has taken a hit, provide opportunities for them to start rebuilding it. This often means getting involved with a fun, safe group of people who accept them for who they are. Watch for signs of trouble Severe teen hazing or bullying can lead to long-term mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Keep and eye out for signs and symptoms of mental health trouble. Some common issues include:

• Change in sleep patterns
• Change in eating patterns
• Change in personal hygiene
• Avoiding people, places, or activities they used to enjoy
• Isolating themselves
• Becoming emotional over minor inconveniences
• Becoming angry or frustrated easily

If you notice any of these signs and symptoms, step in to address them. Your teen might benefit from therapeutic treatment to help them move past the trauma of teen hazing and rebuild a positive sense of self.