Bystanders

A Bystander is anyone who sees bullying when it happens. There are several types of Bystanders:

Assistants

These people help the person/people who are bullying and join in the bullying.

Reinforcers

Provide support to the bully.

Outsiders

Stay away not taking sides, providing the person who is bullying with silent approval.

Defenders

Comfort the person being bullied, try to actively stop the bullying.

Bystanders often don’t try to help because:

  • They may be concerned for their own safety.
  • Don’t know what they should do to help.
  • Afraid that they may be picked on.
  • Might be friends with the person/people who are bullying.