The 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.’ Depending on how bystanders respond, they can either contribute to the problem or help with a solution.
Hurtful BystandersSome bystanders start the bullying by urging the bully to begin. Other bystanders encourage the bullying by laughing, cheering, or making comments that further stimulate the bully or join in the bullying once it has begun.
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Helpful BystandersBystanders also have the power to play a key role in preventing or stopping bullying. Some bystanders directly interfere, 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.
Most bystanders inactively accept bullying by watching and doing nothing. Often without realizing it, these bystanders also play part in the problem. Inactive bystanders provide the audience a bully wants which makes the bully feel like they should continue their hurtful behaviour. |
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