Are you a bystander?

Bullying usually requires the participation of three groups:

Bullies

Victims

Bystanders

This can take the form of such as, verbal insults or threats, physical intimidation or violence and gossiping. It’s easy to claim that you’re innocent as long as you’re not the bully, but that is simply not true.

At Reportbullying.com we believe that bystanders have the power to help stop bullying.
Bystanders are present most of the time when there is bullying on school grounds, sometimes simply being in the area and sometimes as the bully’s intended audience. Most kids feel uncomfortable being a witness to bullying, but very few interfere. This is a huge problem.

If you are a witness to bullying (in the audience) but do not step in, this is exactly what the bully wants.

Pay attention to the bully’s actions, bullying can mean more than just physical violence.

Don’t encourage the bully by ignoring the victim.

Walk away and go get help. Encourage others to come along.

Tell school officials where most bullying takes place, so they can take action according to their schools policies and procedures.
You can even speak up directly against the bully. Put yourself in the victim’s shoes. Surely you don’t want to be treated that way, and neither would the bully. Tell them that they’re wrong, and that you won’t participate in their victimization.

Don’t let anyone accuse you of tattling. Remember the difference: tattling is when you want someone else to get in trouble. When you report bullying, you are trying to help the victim get out of trouble.