Bystander Roles and Interventions in Bullying

ABSTRACT

Bullying is a pervasive problem and is especially common in schools. While much attention is given to survivors and perpetrators of bullying, there is a need to continue to understand the importance of bystanders. Bystanders can have a critical influence on bullying. In some contexts, bystanders may contribute to the noxious effects of bullying. In other contexts, they can significantly reduce the consequences of bullying. Understanding the types of bystanders and their effects on bullying can reduce bullying rates. This article reviews the literature on bystanders and bystander intervention in bullying situations.

KEYWORDS:

• Bullying
• bystanders
• intervention
• prevention
• bystander intervention

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Chris Leeth

Chris Leeth, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.