British universities are struggling to stop dangerous student initiation ceremonies and hazing rituals – which experts warn have become more severe – following the tragic death of a first-year student.
Student societies are holding riskier initiation challenges as social media, as well as American films and TV shows, have encouraged them to “outdo” each other, according to the national university sport body.
The warning comes after Newcastle first-year student Ed Farmer died in December 2016 after attending a society initiation-style pub crawl where rounds of 100 triple vodkas were ordered.
And just this month, reports suggested that Loughborough first-year students were allegedly forced to eat maggots and dog food during an alcohol-heavy hockey initiation ceremony.
One hopes that these types of ceremonies can be stamped out for the safety and well-being of all students.
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