Who are bystanders?
We are all bystanders if we are aware of something happening but do not act to stop it. We can be bystanders even if we are not actually present. Groups and communities, such as schools, can even be said to show bystander behaviour. Bystander behaviour includes:
- watching an argument on the street
- gathering to watch a playground fight
- knowing that someone is being hurt but not intervening or seeking help
- failing to investigate and be proactive about the bullying in your school.
Although we might not be directly involved, our behaviours contribute significantly to what takes place.
Some behaviours can make the problem worse:
- giving 'silent approval' by not becoming involved
- assisting by joining in
- reinforcing by encouraging, cheering and laughing, even if not actively participating.
Alternatively, some behaviours can be helpful:
- trying to stop the bullying behaviour by defending the person being bullied, reporting the behaviour
- challenging and positively influencing individual and group attitudes and beliefs
- learning and teaching about the deeper issues which underlie bullying behaviour.
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