A bystander is anyone who witnesses or becomes aware of a bullying incident, whether it happens in person or through digital platforms like social media, websites, text messages, gaming, or apps. Research shows that bystanders are present in 80% of bullying incidents, giving them a significant opportunity to shape the outcome. When bystanders choose to take action, they can play a critical role in preventing or stopping bullying. In fact, bystanders are the key to stopping bullying!

Watch the Video Below

The video below illustrates the crucial role of bystanders in bullying situations and how their actions—or inactions—can influence the outcome. Take a moment to watch and reflect on how you can make a difference:

Playlist

2 Videos

Bully Bystanders: You Can Make a Difference

0:41

Bully Bystanders: You Can Make a Difference (DVD) (Gr. 7-12+) G096

2:04

The Different Roles of Bystanders
in Bullying Situations

Bystanders can adopt various roles, each influencing the bullying situation differently:

Assistants

Actively join in and assist the bully in their actions.

Reinforcers

Do not directly attack the victim but encourage the bullying by giving it an audience, laughing, or making other supportive gestures.

Outsiders

Stay on the sidelines, neither supporting the bully nor defending the victim, but their silence can signal approval of the bullying.

Defenders

Take a stand against bullying by comforting the victim, taking their side, or trying to stop the bullying directly.

Why Do Bystanders Intervene
or Stay Silent?

Reasons Bystanders Might Not Intervene:

Fear of Retaliation

Concern about becoming the next target of bullying.

Fear of Losing Social Status

Worry about their own popularity or friendships being impacted.

Lack of Personal Connection

Not being friends with the target of bullying.

Uncertainty

Lack of clarity about the individuals involved or the situation, or uncertainty about what’s right or wrong.

Perceived Ineffectiveness of Adults

Believing that teachers or staff won’t address the bullying effectively or might even worsen the situation.

Lack of Knowledge

Not knowing how to intervene or what actions to take.

Why Bystanders Choose to Intervene:

Personal Connection

They are friends with the target of bullying.

Moral Engagement

They believe in treating others with respect and that “bullying is wrong.”

Empathy and Sympathy

Feeling compassion for the victim’s situation.

Perception of Innocence

Viewing the victim as innocent and undeserving of the treatment.

Trust in Adults

Believing that teachers or staff will appropriately address the bullying.

The Power of Bystanders to Stop Bullying

Bystanders have the power to change the course of a bullying incident. By choosing to act, they can challenge the behavior, support the victim, and create a culture of respect. Small actions, like offering support to the victim or reporting the incident to an adult, can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by bullying.

Who is a Bystander?