1.4 Bystanders: Hurtful and Helpful

 

Adults can prepare children to become helpful bystanders by explaining the ways they can intervene and by encouraging them to make a difference in such situations. A “What If” activity could help you raise such discussions in your classroom and make students think of specific ways to change the bullying situation. Useful learning resources for teachers and students are also videos like this, where YouTube influencers underline the fact that no one can stop bullying on their own. They strengthen people to take action when they are witnesses.

Activity 

To intervene or not to intervene?

In your opinion, what’s the motivations that lead bystanders of bullying situations to different responses and how are these behaviours reinforced? Why do some students choose to help or not to help the victim when witnessing bullying?