Being an 'upstander' not a bystander against bullies may do more harm than good, says expert questioning anti-bullying strategy

Students who intervene when they witness bullying could be causing more harm than good, with new research challenging everything schools teach about bystander intervention.

Students are often taught to intervene when they witness bullying and be an ‘upstander’, not a bystander.

But a psychologist and expert in bullying warns upstander behaviour is ineffective at best and harmful at worst.

The critique comes as state and territory governments look to implement the recommendations of the Anti-Bullying Rapid Review, which includes encouraging being an upstander, not a bystander.

When releasing the review on October 18, Education Minister Jason Clare described upstanders as “people who are prepared to stand up, not walk past the problem”.

But psychologist and University of Queensland academic Dr Karyn Healy said encouraging students to intervene in bullying incidents may cause more harm than good.

“People have assumed for many years having bystanders intervene in bullying would be helpful,” she said.

“But in general, there is no association of bystander involvement and improved outcomes for victims. It may in fact make it worse.”

Dr Karyn Healis is a psychologist with expertise in conflict, and warns conventional wisdom on dealing with schoolyard bullying may not be the best approach.

Dr Healy said a number of international studies this year showed anti-bullying programs with upstander interventions had no effect on victim outcomes.

The bullying expert said further studies demonstrated upstanding could even be “harmful”.

“In social psychology, research shows help is not always helpful – it can be disempowering,” she said.

“When other students intervene to stop the bullying, it may make the victim feel helpless or look weak in front of their peers.

“Some children who bully get more of an audience when people intervene, which may make them feel more tough and funny.

“Making the interaction more publicly visible can be harmful.”

Dr Healy said a number of alternative strategies mentioned in the bullying review are more effective at reducing bullying and supporting victims.

She highlighted clear school policies about bullying, creating a kind and inclusive school environment and reporting bullying incidents within 48 hours.

Co-founder of anti-bullying program the Stand Up Project, Dr Zach Greig, holds a different view.

Dr Greig’s student-led program encourages children to be upstanders and has been delivered in over 200 schools both nationally and internationally.

Dr Zach Greig encourages students to be upstanders, not bystanders.

He defines an upstander as someone who addresses bullying and supports victims (who he calls targets).

“Research shows targets of bullying are more upset by the inaction of their peers rather than the bullying incident itself,” he said.

“So upstanding is also about supporting the target.

“Upstanding is about cultural change.

“Students learn to identify what is acceptable and unacceptable. And in terms of cultural change and reducing bullying, upstanding is very effective.”

What’s the best approach to deal with a bully? Share your views below or email [e-mail] if your child has been bullied at school

Originally published as Being an 'upstander' not a bystander against bullies may do more harm than good, says expert questioning anti-bullying strategy