It’s hard to know what to do when you see someone being bullied, but as a bystander, you have an opportunity to make a powerful difference in someone’s life. In most cases, bullying stops when a bystander steps in. You can choose to do the right thing.

Why keep it a secret?

• Talk to someone you trust, like your parents, a friend, a teacher, a counsellor or coach.
• Involving an adult isn’t the same as tattling, especially when it comes to someone’s safety.
• An adult can intervene and make the bullying stop

Do the right thing

• Don’t be a silent witness. You would want someone to have your back if you were the one getting bullied.
• Don’t watch and laugh. That’s even worse than doing nothing.
• If it’s too hard to speak out, send an anonymous note to school staff
• Be assertive, not aggressive. Fighting doesn’t help anyone.
• Invite the person being targeted to leave the situation with you
• Encourage the target to get help from someone, like a guidance counsellor, teacher, or other adult who can help.

Think about it

• Think about how you’d feel if you were being targeted. Wouldn’t you want someone to step in?
• Ask for help from friends. There’s strength in numbers.
• Stand up for people who are targeted. They might not be able to defend themselves.

Remember

• It takes only one person to take a stand before others follow their lead. Have the courage to be that person.
• If you stay and watch you’re part of the problem. If you get help, you’re part of the solution
• Stay safe. If you don’t feel comfortable intervening, ask an adult you trust for help.