Anti-Bullying/Hazing & Suicide Prevention

The Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) desires to increase cadet awareness through the institution of Suicide Prevention, Bystander Intervention, and Hazing/Bullying Prevention programs within the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) and Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) programs 

Hazing - the practice of rituals and other activities involving harassment, abuse, or humiliation used as a way of initiating a person into a group (usually an informal association that acts in secret). Hazing is any action or situation, with or without the consent of the participants, which recklessly, intentionally, or unintentionally endangers the mental, physical, or academic health or safety of a student.

Bullying - is any type of unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance with the intent to abuse, embarrass, control, or harm the victim. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or written (to include social media).

Cyber bullying - The use electronic communications devices. Social media must be guarded so as not become the avenue for bullying and sexual harassment. With the proliferation of social media, most students are aware of cyber bullying immediately and quite often know the perpetrator and the victim. However, most cyber bullying goes unreported. It is wrong to subject any one to bullying and it is our shared responsibility to ensure it doesn’t happen.

Sexual harassment - Bullying of a sexual nature and includes the creation of an atmosphere of fear or mistrust.

Hazing/bullying is not acceptable in any form in the NJROTC program. NJROTC cadets should feel confident in their knowledge of prevention of hazing and bullying and should apply that knowledge throughout their school and community. We expect our cadets to be role models for other students. As professionals we understand that there is no place for any form of hazing or bullying.

Hazing/bullying is not acceptable in any form in the NJROTC program. NJROTC cadets should feel confident in their knowledge of prevention of hazing and bullying and should apply that knowledge throughout their school and community. We expect our cadets to be role models for other students. As professionals we understand that there is no place for any form of hazing or bullying.

Suicide Awareness/Prevention - NJROTC units programs will provide the mechanisms necessary to identify and respond to students who are at risk of self-destructive behaviors or possible suicide. Essential components of unit programs include:

• The ability to recognize behavioral patterns and other warning signs that indicate that a young person may be at risk of suicide.

• Active intervention that explores the level of risk without increasing it.

• Ensuring that at risk students receive the necessary services.

• Preparation for implementation of measures following a crisis or traumatic event to reduce the risk to those who have witnessed or been affected by the tragedy. The suicide, or violent or unexpected death, of a student or teacher can result in an increased risk of suicide for other vulnerable young people. Appropriately responding to a tragedy that may put students at risk is an essential part of any crisis or suicide prevention plan. 

Outstanding web resources for recognizing and dealing with the above:  

Copy/paste the URLs:

Bullying: https://www.stopbullying.gov/

Hazing: https://stophazing.org/

Suicide Prevention Resource Center: http://www.sprc.org/