Don't+Be+a+Bystander



Bullying situations usually involve more than the bully and the victim. They also involve **bystanders**—those who watch bullying happen or hear about it. But there are many different types of bystanders:

Have you been a Bystander to Bullying? Were you "Hurtful" or "Helpful"?
[|Share your story]

=

 * 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

information from Eyes On Bullying.org

// //© 2010 OneSeventeen Media and KidThrive. Alien Lounge is the property of KidThrive.org // //