Universities Weblog

We've all suffered through those "Girls Gone Wild" video commercials, perhaps even dreading catching a glimpse of one of our students (or of ourselves!) in the promos. Many college women have regretted appearing in these videos, and lament that they would never 'normally' act that way.

Then when are the cameras catching this shocking behavior? Most often, it's during Spring Break.

Apparently, college women lower their inhibitions and are nearly 100% more likely to engage in promiscuous–even dangerous–behavior during this famed week of collegiate partying.

Alcohol and sex play a prominent and potentially dangerous role in spring break trips of college co-eds according to an American Medical Association (AMA) poll released today. Eighty-three percent of the respondents agreed spring break trips involve more or heavier drinking than occurs on college campuses and 74 percent said spring break trips result in increased sexual activity.

Women are fed up with the marketing tactics and images from the alcohol industry and spring break tour operators," said Dr. Hill. "Public health advocates should also be fed up since aggressive spring break marketing endangers the health and safety of college students."

Of course, men are just as likely to use this time as an excuse to go 'wild,' but it's women who most often pay the price, whether it's in the increased danger of rape, or the chance of finding their image in a porn-style video marketed to millions.

Many female students are fighting to change the perception, and experience, of Spring Break, with efforts ranging from sobriety contracts to spending the week developing charitable efforts rather than suntans.

With Spring Break just around the corner, it's time to consider exactly what the week means for students, both female and male. Is it a harmless time of silliness, or does it carry potential danger that should be realized?

(Photo Source: Panama City Beach)

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