Why don't we do something to help?
Although bystanders sometimes speak out to stop the bullying, the most common response is to ignore, avoid or minimise what is going on. Most of us will have been bystanders at some time. We may:
- believe that not being involved means we're not doing any harm
- assume someone else will help
- think that it's not our business
- not know how to stop the behaviour
- feel that we will make things worse
- feel embarrassed about speaking up or 'intruding'
- be afraid of becoming a target of bullying, getting hurt ourselves or of being labelled a 'dobber'
- think that the behaviour is normal e.g. "boys will be boys" or that the person being bullied 'deserves it'
- have learned to be passive or go along with bullying and violence (this is especially true for women and girls and for some men and boys).
Yes, it can be hard for young people - and sometimes for adults - to help stop bullying behaviour - and to know what to do.
However bullying is never okay and there is NEVER a justification for bullying.
Bullying affects everyone, and silence only makes the problem worse.
'Doing nothing' does have a real impact on events and can be very harmful.
We are all responsible for creating safe and supportive communities.
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