Over 85% of the time a bystander is present in a bullying situation.
Research shows that bullying will stop 57% of the time within 10 seconds when a bystander steps in with positive words/actions.
We need to teach kids how to step in and be a helpful bystander to stop and prevent bullying.
10 Tips to help kids intervene in a bullying situation
- Have discussions with children explaining how standing up for someone can help.
- Let them know that you will support them.
- Be a role model in standing up for others.
- Provide examples or stories of real life situations where a bystander has stood up for someone
- Don’t give the bully the audience they crave–Say, “come on guys-we’re not going to watch this, let’s get out of here.”
- Tell the person who is being bullied, “This isn’t right, you don’t deserve this. Would you like me to go with you to tell an adult?” Showing support and that you care means a lot to someone who is hurting.
- Try to get the person who is being bullied to leave with you, “Come on, let’s go over and check Susan out.”
- Say, “Hey, knock it off, that’s not cool!” People using bullying behavior are usually shocked when someone stands up to them. Research shows bullying stops within 10 seconds 57% of the time when a bystander steps forward
- Sometimes it can be difficult to do something on your own, so make a plan to get other friends to help and interrupt the situation. There can be power in numbers.
- Discuss the importance of telling an adult so they can be observant and on the lookout to step in and intervene.
