Even though most bystanders don’t like to watch bullying it is reported that less than 20% try to stop it. This is partially due to the bystander being uneducated about ways to intervene. We all know that bullies love an audience, so if you are standing around watching someone be victimized count yourself as a contributor. Often times it may feel awkward, hasty, or plain uncool to intervene when someone is being bullied. At the very least, you should never stand around and watch someone get hurt or humiliated by a bully. So, here are some helpful tips:

• You can go get a teacher or adult to assist that way you are not caught in the middle.

• If there is no adult around you can write down what you witnessed a make a report as soon as possible (this can be done anonymously).

• If you feel comfortable, you can simply guide the victim away from the bully and crowd.

• Encourage your friends or others to walk away so as not to give the bully an audience.

• Encourage the victim to make a report about the indent

Do NOT

• Try to talk to or reason with the bully

• Laugh, point, or cheer on the bully or situation as a whole

• Try to fight or challenge the bully in some way

• Join in with the bully

• Overall, use your best judgment when and if you decide to intervene when someone is being bullied but never stand by and give the bully an audience.

Picture By naTasa_Cy

By Yvette ‘Jus-E’ Cornish, MA, LPC, ABD

Yvette ‘Jus-E’ Cornish is a mental health therapist and hip hop artist who created the No Bully Camp to promote education and raise awareness about bullying nationwide. The goal of this organization is to empower and educate students K-12 and their families to strengthen the fight against bullying, suicide and other effects caused by these epidemics. You can read more or find contact information about this organization at www.nobullycamp.org.

nobullycamp@gmail.com
1-888-490-3190