In some instances, hazing exacts a terrible physical and emotional toll. Adolescents who have been hazed may have trouble eating, sleeping or concentrating on their homework. They may provoke fights with their parents, siblings and/or peers; they may feel embarrassed, angry, confused, sad, regretful and guilty. Schoolwork may deteriorate. Some hazed teens commit crimes, cease socializing with friends, and consider suicide. At the same time, there are teens that report that the hazing experience results in positive emotions. They enjoy feeling that they are an integral part of a group; they felt proud, strong, energized, happy, confident and trusted.

Though it may appear that they are helpless, they should inform their parents. Parents may then approach the school principal and police. Sometimes, they could hire an attorney and prepare a civil suit. When other students read that a group is facing litigation because of hazing, they may become seriously concerned. Rates of hazing should then drop markedly.