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ACTIVE BYSTANDER CAMPAIGN

The behaviour you walk past is the behaviour you accept. By being an Active Bystander you can make a difference by stepping up and saying that what I’m seeing is not OK.

An Active Bystander is someone who sees a situation where something is going wrong, or someone needs help, and takes action so that things go right. For example, saying that language you hear is not OK makes a statement that you won’t allow others to be harmed by the words or prejudice of others.

Only intervene if it is safe to do so, and it doesn’t put you or anyone else at risk. Any action should not make things worse or make someone angry.

ASK YOURSELF:

1. Is what I'm seeing or hearing ok?

2. If it's not OK, who needs help?

3. What happens if I do nothing?

4. What are my options?

5. Now what will I do?

There are 5 ways in which someone can be an active bystander - The 5D's

 

1. DIRECT intervention when appropriate, such as asking if someone is OK, telling them you need a word in private or that the language being used to describe them is not acceptable

(when safe to do so – do not put yourself or anyone else at risk).

2. DISTRACT Find an alternative activity or think about how you can help distract a friend from  potential harm.

3. DELEGATE Identify the best-placed person to report this to who can safely intervene/discuss concerns, such as a teacher, youth worker or other trusted adult.

4. DOCUMENT Record your concerns: patterns or frequency to help demonstrate concerns to others

5. DELAY Use tactics to slow things down.  Talk to your friend at key moments to disrupt their response to a potentially harmful situation.  Provide opportunity to talk on what’s making them feel unsafe

Poster titled Don't Do Nothing regarding knife crime. It has a male victim stood facing you. It has the writing
Poster titled Don't Do Nothing regarding bullying. It has a female victim of bullying sat on the floor in a park with three female bullies walking towards her. It has the writing
Poster titled Don't Do Nothing regarding Domestic Abuse. It has a female victim of domestic abuse stood on some stairs and she is facing the male offender of domestic abuse. It has the writing

Being an active bystander is not easy. It takes courage to speak up and say something, but if you do choose to speak up, it’s likely everyone around you will breathe a sigh of relief - because you were brave enough to take a stand.

 

Only intervene if it’s safe for you and safe for others around you. If it’s not safe then the best option is to get help.

NEED some advice?

The words Knife Crime in white writing with a black background

Fearless is a site where you can access non-judgemental information and advice about all types of crime.

What makes this site different is they also provide you with a safe place to give information about crime - 100% anonymously.

For more details visit fearless.org

The word bullying in white writing with black background

If you are struggling with bullying, harassment, cyberbullying or anti-social behaviour issues, we hope this website will enable you to identify solutions and remedies along with practical help.

You and your friends don't need to suffer from bullying.

For more details visit nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk

The words domestic abuse in white writing with black background

If you are worried that a young person you know is a victim of domestic abuse, either because they are experiencing it in their home or because they are in an abusive relationship with another young person, you should let them know where they can get help and support.

For more details visit yourbestfriend.org.uk