What Is A Bystander?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A bystander is a witness who sees or knows about bullying happening to someone else . ... Whether they know it or not, by doing nothing a bystander supports the bullying behaviour. The bottom line is, bystanders have choices: they can either be part of the problem, by staying silent; or part of the solution, by helping out.

What should a bystander do?

A bystander is someone who sees or knows about bullying or other forms of violence that is happening to someone else . Bystanders can be either part of the bullying problem or an important part of the solution to stop bullying. ... Some bystanders will give silent approval or encourage the bully by looking on.

What does being a bystander mean?

A bystander is a witness who sees or knows about bullying happening to someone else . ... Whether they know it or not, by doing nothing a bystander supports the bullying behaviour. The bottom line is, bystanders have choices: they can either be part of the problem, by staying silent; or part of the solution, by helping out.

Is it bad to be a bystander?

Bystanders can unintentionally damage a person’s mental and emotional state . Feelings of depression, anger, resentment, anxiety, and self-consciousness are all possible when someone goes through a traumatic event alone.

What do Upstanders do?

An Upstander is someone who takes action against bullying behaviour . ... They help to stop the bullying from happening, or they support the person who’s being bullied.

How can I be a bystander?

  1. Don’t laugh.
  2. Don’t encourage the bully in any way.
  3. Don’t participate.
  4. Stay at a safe distance and help the target get away.
  5. Don’t become an “audience” for the bully.
  6. Reach out in friendship.

What is the opposite of being a bystander?

Opposite of a person who, although present at some event, does not take part in it . participant . contributor . partaker .

How do I stop being a bystander?

  1. Don’t just stand there... SAY SOMETHING!
  2. People who bully may think they’re being funny or “cool.” If you feel safe, tell the person to STOP the bullying behavior. Say you don’t like it and that it isn’t funny.
  3. DON’T BULLY BACK! It won’t help if you use mean names or actions.

What is bystander harassment?

There is a psychological term known as “The Bystander Effect.” This term means that an individual feels no responsibility to take any action when they see an injustice being perpetrated. An active bystander is a person who intervenes after witnessing discrimination, harassment , or any other disrespectful conduct.

What causes bystander effect?

Two main factors come into play in the bystander effect. One is the diffusion of responsibility – with many others present, the responsibility is shared throughout the group and no one feels that it’s down to them to do anything. The other is our desire to conform and follow the actions of others.

Why do bystanders not intervene?

Why Bystanders Intervene or Not

There are many reasons why youth may or may not intervene or defend the target of bullying. Some reasons bystanders do not intervene or respond to the bullying include: Fear of retaliation and being bullied themselves . ... Fear of losing their social status.

Why is it hard to be an Upstander?

Risks of Being an Upstander

Rarely do aggressors work alone, they usually have their circle of “friends” that they work with to give them the audience and attention they crave. Given the choice of being protected by hanging with this person or standing up for someone in need of support presents a moral dilemma.

Do bystanders have a legal responsibility to intervene?

Bystanders have a responsibility to intervene when witnessing a violent crime . The trust and personal liberty necessary to sustain our communities depend on our ability to interact free of violence, and as members of the community we are ethically bound to preserve peace.

Why do people become Upstanders?

So, why is it important to be an upstander? Research shows that when someone steps in and stands up to bullying behaviour, it’s likely to stop right away . Most people also agree that bullying is wrong, so it’s likely that your mates feel just as uncomfortable about the bullying as you do.

When should you be a bystander?

Someone who witnesses bullying, either in person or online , is a bystander. Friends, students, peers, teachers, school staff, parents, coaches, and other youth-serving adults can be bystanders. With cyberbullying, even strangers can be bystanders. Youth involved in bullying play many different roles.

What qualities does it take to be an Upstander?

  • Take action by telling the bully to stop. ...
  • Take action by getting others to stand up with them to the bully. ...
  • Take action by helping the victim. ...
  • Take action by shifting the focus and redirecting the bully away from the victim. ...
  • Take action by telling an adult who can help.
Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.