Most bystanders accept bullying by watching and doing nothing. These passive bystanders provide the audience a bully craves and the silent acceptance that allows bullies to continue their hurtful behaviour.Â
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However, bystanders have the power to play a key role in preventing or stopping bullying.
They can do this by directly intervening in a bullying situation, by discouraging the bully, defending the victim or redirecting the situation away from bullying.
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Other bystanders get help by rallying support from peers to stand up against bullying or by reporting the bullying to a trusted adult. All these options are very positive and will help to bring it to a stop.
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But why doesn’t this happen more? Here are a few reasons:
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