Caught in the Crowd

Are you a bystander?
 
Bullying is a difficult problem that only gets worse when it is ignored. Research has demonstrated that bystanders play a significant role in bullying.

• Bystanders are present most of the time (85%), where adults are rarely present
• Most young people feel uncomfortable but very few know what to do to stop it happening
• Bullying behaviour is reinforced where people watch but do nothing
• When bystanders do intervene, the bullying is more likely to stop quickly most of the time.

The solutions involve not only students but also school staff and parents. Members of the whole school community may be involved in bullying, being bullied or by knowing that the bullying is happening. We can each be part of the problem - or part of the solution.

It's up to everyone to create a safe school environment and we can all help. Motivating bystanders to act is now being promoted as a major positive response, not just for schools, but in communities and workplaces.

Hurtful Bystanders                          

Some bystanders . . . instigate the bullying by prodding the bully to begin.
Other bystanders . . . encourage the bullying by laughing, cheering, or making comments that further stimulate the bully. 
And other bystanders . . . join in the bullying once it has begun. 
Most bystanders . . . passively accept bullying by watching and doing nothing. Often without realizing it, these bystanders also contribute to the problem. Passive bystanders provide the audience a bully craves and the silent acceptance that allows bullies to continue their hurtful behavior.

Helpful Bystanders     

Bystanders also have the power to play a key role in preventing or stopping bullying. 

Some bystanders . . . directly intervene, by discouraging the bully, defending the victim, or redirecting the situation away from bullying.
Other bystanders . . .  get help, by rallying support from peers to stand up against bullying or by reporting the bullying to adults. 

Examining the Effects on The Bystander

Why don’t more bystanders intervene? 

• They think, “It’s none of my business.”
• They fear getting hurt or becoming another victim. 
• They feel powerless to stop the bully.    
• They don’t like the victim or believe the victim “deserves” it.
• They don’t want to draw attention to themselves.
• They fear retribution.
• They think that telling adults won’t help or it may make things worse.
• They don’t know what to do.

Bystanders who don’t intervene or don’t report the bullying often suffer negative consequences themselves. They may experience:

• Pressure to participate in the bullying
• Anxiety about speaking to anyone about the bullying
• Powerlessness to stop bullying
• Vulnerability to becoming victimized
• Fear of associating with the victim, the bully, or the bully’s pals 
• Guilt for not having defended the victim

What can you do?

If you find yourself in this situation, try to be a helpful bystander.  Remember ..... everyone has the right to feel safe all of the time!