In this series of articles to coincide with Anti-Bullying Week 2023, we will examine the roles individuals play in relation to bullying behaviour. This article examines the role of the bystander. What exactly is a bystander and how can we encourage such ones to ‘make a noise about bullying’ in order to help prevent any negative behaviour?
What is a Bystander?
In most cases of bullying, there are those who witness the behaviour and who stand and watch or turn away and do nothing. These people are bystanders. Bystanders can have a powerful effect on bullying behaviour and, depending on how they react, can either encourage or deter the bullying. If bystanders take action and seek help, they are supporting the target and are helping to tackle bullying. However, if they turn away and do nothing, they are inadvertently condoning the bullying. Why would someone behave this way?
Bystander Effect
If we witness a serious incident or an emergency and there are other people around, we are more likely to assume someone else will provide assistance or go to get help. This is called the ‘bystander effect’ and is often the reason why people don’t intervene when they witness bullying. When in a group, bystanders feel less personal responsibility to do anything because they expect others to act. However, if we wait for someone else to act to stop bullying, we may end up waiting a long time.
Bystanders and Bullying
There are a number of other reasons why bystanders turn away without taking action including:
- Fear of retaliation or of becoming the target of the bully if they intervene.
- Concern about getting physically hurt if they wade in to stop the bullying.
- Possibility of making the situation worse for the target.
- Worry about not knowing what to do, who to talk to, where to go for help etc.
- Feeling it is not their problem and none of their business (bystander effect).
If all organisations have clear anti-bullying policies in place, which outline the steps to take to report bullying behaviour, bystanders might feel better informed and more inclined to take action. Remember — we are all responsible and can all ‘make a noise about bullying’ to help stamp out bullying once and for all.
Bullying Resources
Bullying — A Complete Approach
Contains hints and tips for teachers, parents and young people to enable them to identify and tackle bullying.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Last revised: 2022
- Pages: 94
- Illustrated throughout
Ebook: £10.99 
Hard copy: £35.99 add to basket
Bullying in the Workplace
This pack provides guidance for companies on tackling workplace bullying, supporting the targets of bullying and ensuring the wellbeing of staff.
- Focus: Anti-bullying policies for businesses
- Category: Businesses
- Last revised: 2022
- Pages: 50
- Illustrated throughout
Ebook: £8.99
Hard copy: £25.99 add to basket