ERIC Number: EJ741318
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005-Apr
Pages: 3
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0013-127X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
A Bully's Bystanders Are Never Innocent
Coloroso, Barbara
Education Digest: Essential Readings Condensed for Quick Review, v70 n8 p49-51 Apr 2005
Though they play the least active role, bystanders are a critical element in bullying. With peers looking on and providing at least tacit support, the bully is no longer acting alone. The bystanders have become allies to the point of magnifying the supposed negative attributes of the target. If the bullying cycle is to be broken, the role of the bystander must be changed by starting with the four reasons kids give for not taking a stand against bullying: fear of getting hurt, fear of becoming a new target for the bully, fear of making the situation worse, and not knowing what to do. Talked about openly, these four reasons for remaining on the sidelines can be starting points for convincing bystanders to accept responsibility for recognizing bullying, refusing to be part of it, responding effectively, and reporting it to proper authorities. This article discusses some actions that bystanders can take, ranging from those that involve the least amount of personal risk to those that require the greatest courage.
Descriptors: Bullying, Student Behavior, Peer Relationship, School Policy, Children, Child Behavior, Fear, Prosocial Behavior
Prakken Publications, 832 Phoenix Dr., P.O. Box 8623, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Tel: 734-975-2800; Fax: 734-975-2787; Web site: http://www.eddigest.com/.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

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