What Can Bystanders Do To Help Stop Bullies?

Written by Sarah Vernetti

Here are the answers to some common questions about bullying and bystanders!

What is a bystander?

A bystander is someone who sees others being bullied. Most kids, about 70%, are bystanders. In 85% of bullying cases, bystanders were present. In other words, bystanders are an important part of the bullying equation! They have all the power when it comes to preventing bullies from harming others.

Sometimes the bystander does the right thing, like telling a parent or teacher. If they feel safe doing so, bystanders can also help lead the target away from the situation.

Other times, the bystander does nothing to help the victim. They might even laugh or otherwise encourage the bully.

I might be a bystander! What should I do?

If you see someone being bullied, it is essential that you talk to a trusted adult like a teacher, school counselor, or parent. While there are things you can do to help the bullying victim, it's also important that you have the guidance and advice of an adult.

Another thing you can do is be nice to the person being bullied and encourage your friends to do the same. Bullying victims often feel lonely, and a friendly face will help them realize that they are not alone.

You can also join the A4K Club so that you’ll have access to all kinds of advice and helpful information about bullies, bystanders, and bullying victims.

What if I'm afraid of the bully? I don't want to become a target!

It's understandable that you feel afraid. But no matter how scared you are, there are ways you can help without confronting the bully. You can be nice to the bullying victim, tell an adult, and lead by example. In other words, make sure you’re being a good role model and are being nice to others.

Don't worry about being cool or popular. It's more important to be a kind and compassionate person. For more information on putting an end to bullying at your school, visit www.a4kclub.org.