The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education:

Summer Hazing Rituals Must Not be Tolerated

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to note that today, the first full day of summer, is also the last day of school for the majority of students in Newfoundland and Labrador.

While I take this opportunity to congratulate them, and the thousands of dedicated teachers throughout this province who have worked so hard to help them succeed this year, I also want to raise an important point with respect to the safety of our young people this summer.

We always encourage our children to exercise good judgment when they take part in summer activities – to use caution when swimming, to wear a lifejacket while boating, or a helmet when biking. If they are hiking or exploring, we tell them to obey any warning signs, and always tell somebody where they are going and when they are expected back. That’s just good advice for all of us, Mr. Speaker.

But we are also aware that some young people participate in hazing rituals during the summer months. For example, high school students take it upon themselves to initiate junior high students who are entering their school in September. Mr. Speaker, these hazing activities are often dangerous, or even illegal. At the very least, they can be intimidating, hurtful and humiliating, particularly with the widespread use of various social media.

And so, Mr. Speaker, on this, the last day of school, when our young people are looking forward to their summer break, I encourage all students, parents, and concerned individuals to be particularly vigilant in preventing these activities. While hazing is sometimes perceived as harmless – a rite of passage – it is not. For many young people, it could result in serious emotional or physical harm.

It is not acceptable; nobody should be subjected to it, and none of us should tolerate it.

Once again, Mr. Speaker, I congratulate our students on their efforts this year – particularly those who have graduated and are entering a new, exciting phase in their lives. And I thank all those in our education system who have made their success possible. I encourage my colleagues in this House to join me in wishing them all a safe, carefree and happy summer.

2012 06 21             1:50 p.m.