Stop Bullying – Do Not Stand Idly By

Anti-Bullying Program Reduces Kids’ Gossip
By RICK NAUERT PHD Senior News Editor

Major Takeaways: Retaliation escalates the bullying and victimization. Anti-bullying curriculum can show dramatic decreases in bullying. Bystanders can be the greatest anti-bullying tool – if you see something, say something.

“Frey said that bystanders are very important in decreasing gossip and bullying, but many times bystanders feel uncomfortable and don’t know what to do. Bystanders’ silence can give a lot of power to bullies, but if bystanders speak up, the bullying stops.

“Stand up straight, look the bully in the eye, and say ‘knock it off,’” Frey said. Friends who encourage victims to retaliate, on the other hand, may inadvertently set victims up for continued bullying, she said.”