What should I do if I know that someone is being bullied but I am worried that if I intervene, the bullies may turn on me?
34 Answers
Moderated by Sarah Robb, LISW-S (Licensed Independent Social Worker, Supervisor Designation) and LICDC (Licenced Chemical Dependency Counselor)
Updated: Aug 9, 2021
ListeningZigs
on
May 13, 2015
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Support the victim when you can, even if you cannot directly intervene. You can still be helpful, even when you don't get to the root of the issue.
Anonymous
on
Mar 19, 2015
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The best thing you can do is find a way to help! If you're concerned about becoming the target, there may be an indirect approach you could take such as reporting it anonymously to somebody with any sort of authority. Try to put yourself in that person's shoes, if you were being bullied, would you want somebody to help or stick up for you? Think through potential options that will also keep you out of harms way. I'm sure you'll do the right thing.
Anonymous
on
Mar 29, 2015
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Just stand strong, they will g after the vulnerable. If you don't let them get to you, if you act as strong as you can, they won't hurt you. Don't let this happen to anyone if you see it, if that were you, you would want someone to stick up for you too.
thatsoelleee
on
Apr 10, 2015
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When you see it happening you can just step in and say "Stop, this isn't right." Bullies hardly ever turn on someone who steps in because they know that the person that stepped in is strong and not scared of them. However, if you are scared they will turn on you then it's best to tell someone with higher authority such as teachers, parents, police because they will definitely be able to stop them and if you ask, they can keep you anonymous too.
TalkingIsTheBestMedicine
on
May 3, 2015
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It may be best to assist the person being bullied in confidence. Making a direct approach, as you say, may result in you becoming the brunt of the abuse. Provide suggestions to the victim as if you were in the same situation and observe whether there are any changes. In the workplace, it may be worth reporting the matter to one of the directors as it will be incumbent on them to take some action.
Anonymous
on
Jun 11, 2015
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It's very noble to want to help someone who you know is being bullied. While your first thought may be to step in and try to help the victim of the bullying, it maybe wise to stop and think before you do so. If you get involved the bullies could indeed turn on you, but they could also bully the victim even more.
If the bullied person hasn't asked for your help it could mean they don't want you to get involved or they are scared to tell someone. What you could do is let the person know that you are aware of their problem and you are willing to help and support them in whatever they decide to do.
strawberrySong57
on
Sep 8, 2015
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Speak to a teacher or an adult about it, and keep being supportive to the person being bullied as much as possible.
brightMonkey91
on
Nov 2, 2015
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Stand up to the bullies. Dont be scared of them, most of the bullies are cowards deep inside. Even if they turn on you, stay strong and defy them. Whatever happens youll gain a lot of respect for standing up.
simran14
on
Nov 3, 2015
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take a stand....be confident and you are assuming it might turn on you but you aren't sure. Before getting into it you can also inform the person incharge as a backup option
OhSoLovely
on
Nov 17, 2015
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Could you mention it to a responsible adult and just say you don't want to be like named or anything? Just letting the victim of bullying know you support them may also mean a lot to them x
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