If your child was hazed, focus on three things first: get them safe and medically checked, save every piece of evidence, and report what happened in writing. Then talk with a child hazing lawyer about your family’s options while the details are still fresh.
Finding out your child was hurt, humiliated, or frightened by teammates or older students is gut-wrenching. Many parents also feel guilty for not seeing it sooner. You couldn’t have known everything, and you’re taking the right step now. This guide walks you through what to do next if your family is in Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
Hazing Isn’t Just a Fraternity Problem
Most people picture college Greek life when they hear “hazing.” But hazing can happen anywhere kids join a group: sports teams, marching band, cheerleading, clubs, and even church youth groups. In a national Alfred University survey of high school students, 48% of students who belonged to groups said they had been hazed. Of those students, 71% reported negative effects (source).
Both states take this seriously. Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law covers public and private schools serving grades 7 through 12. New Jersey requires school districts with a middle or high school and private middle and high schools to adopt and enforce written anti-hazing policies.
Hazing is often kept secret, so watch for signs like:
- Injuries your child can’t or won’t explain
- Sudden dread about practice, rehearsal, or a club meeting
- Exhaustion, trouble sleeping, or changes in eating
- Secretive phone use or upsetting group chats
- Withdrawal, anxiety, or talk of “rules” they’re not allowed to share
What to Do Right Away If Your Child Was Hazed
- Get your child safe and seen by a doctor. Some injuries, like concussions or alcohol poisoning, aren’t obvious at first. If it’s an emergency, call 911. Both Pennsylvania and New Jersey law protect people who call 911 to get help for someone hurt by hazing, as long as certain conditions are met. Medical records also create an official record of what happened.
- Listen without blame. Let your child tell the story at their own pace and tell them it isn’t their fault. Even if they “agreed” to go along, consent is not a defense to hazing charges in Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
- Save the evidence. Screenshot group chats, texts, and social media posts, including usernames and dates. Photograph injuries over several days. Keep medical bills and counseling records. Write down names of students, coaches, and advisors involved, plus any witnesses.
- Write a timeline. Note what your child tells you, when, and any changes you’ve noticed. Memories fade quickly, and details matter.
- Don’t confront the other kids or post about it online. It can put your child at risk and complicate a school, police, or legal case.
School, Police, or a Lawyer: Who Should You Call?
Often, all three. Each plays a different role.
The school. Report the hazing in writing to the principal or athletic director and keep a copy. Ask for the school’s anti-hazing policy. Pennsylvania and New Jersey both require schools to post their anti-hazing policy online, and policies in both states apply to hazing on or off school property. Ask what steps the school will take and when.
The police. If your child was assaulted, forced to drink or use drugs, sexually abused, or seriously hurt, contact law enforcement. In Pennsylvania, hazing is a crime, and aggravated hazing that causes serious injury or death is a felony.
A child hazing lawyer. The school has its own interests to protect. A hazing injury lawyer works only for your family. A lawyer can help preserve evidence, communicate with the school and insurance companies, and make sure critical deadlines aren’t missed.
Can You File a Child Hazing Lawsuit?
Possibly. A criminal case punishes the people who hazed your child. A civil case, or child hazing lawsuit, is how your family may be able to recover compensation. Pennsylvania’s anti-hazing law states that it does not take away any civil remedy available under other laws.
Depending on the facts, a claim may involve the students who did the hazing, coaches or advisors, a private school, a fraternity or other organization, or its national headquarters. Families may be able to recover costs like medical bills, counseling and therapy, and compensation for physical pain and emotional harm.
Timing matters. Here are the general deadlines:
| Deadline | Pennsylvania | New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Child’s injury lawsuit | 2 years, but the clock usually doesn’t start until age 18 (generally by the 20th birthday) | 2 years, but the clock usually doesn’t start until age 18 (generally by the 20th birthday) |
| Claim involving a public school or other government entity | Written notice generally due within 6 months | Notice of Claim generally due within 90 days |
Different, often longer deadlines can apply when hazing involved sexual abuse. Because the rules depend on your child’s age and who was involved, don’t wait to get advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes, but it depends on the type of school. Pennsylvania public school districts have broad legal protection, called governmental immunity, against many negligence claims. In New Jersey, claims against public schools fall under the state’s Tort Claims Act, which has its own strict rules and a 90-day notice deadline. Families may still have options, such as federal claims or claims against the individuals and organizations involved. Private schools generally don’t have government immunity. A hazing at school lawyer can review which claims may apply.
It depends on who caused or allowed the harm. That may include the students who hazed your child, adults who knew and failed to act, a private school, or an organization such as a team, club, or fraternity. Pennsylvania’s anti-hazing law allows organizations, including national fraternities and sororities, to be charged for promoting or allowing hazing.
Yes, usually through a parent or guardian. Because children can’t file lawsuits on their own, a parent or legal guardian typically brings the claim on the child’s behalf. In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the general two-year deadline for the child’s injury claim usually doesn’t start until the child turns 18.
Possibly. High school students are sometimes hazed by college fraternities during visits, parties, or recruitment events. Pennsylvania’s anti-hazing law specifically protects minors, and it doesn’t block civil lawsuits. A hazing abuse attorney can look at the fraternity, its chapter, and its national organization.
As soon as possible, ideally within days. Group chats get deleted, witnesses’ memories fade, and claims involving public schools can have notice deadlines of 90 days in New Jersey and six months in Pennsylvania. Early advice protects your options.
Talk to a Child Hazing Lawyer at Ethen Ostroff Law
Your child deserved to feel safe. If they were hurt by hazing on a team, in a club, or at school, you don’t have to figure out what comes next alone. As a child hazing attorney team serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Ethen Ostroff Law helps families understand their rights and hold the right people accountable. Whether you’re looking for a high school hazing lawyer or a bullying and hazing lawyer, we’ll listen first and explain your options in plain language.
Your consultation is free, and there’s no fee unless we win. If your family lives outside Pennsylvania or New Jersey, we can connect you with a trusted partner firm.
Call 610-510-8883 or fill out the form on EOL.law today.
Justice For All.
