Bystanders in Situations of Bullying Motivations for...

Introduction/Background Bullying can be experienced in several forms such as physical, verbal, social or cyber. All bullying is composed of three specific concepts—causing their victims harm, possessing greater power than their victims and repetition (Oh Hazler, 2009). Bystanders play perhaps the most vital role in bullying (Oh Hazler, 2009). Bystanders can help the bully (‘assistants’ or ‘reinforcers’), remain passive and non-interceptive (‘outsiders’) or they can be ‘defenders’, which are individuals who intervene using prosocial behaviours, meaning that they voluntarily act in ways that benefit others (Oh Hazler, 2009; Thornberg, 2007). Statistics suggest bystander’s use only 25% of their time to intervene and defend the bully†¦show more content†¦Recent studies that have analyzed the behaviour of bystanders, in situations of bullying, have put a large emphasis on the predictors of bystander actions and the reasons why they are passive in such situations. Predictors such as gender, grade, past experiences with bullying, type of bullying witnessed and friendship dynamics have displayed some significant trends in the reactions of bystanders (Oh Hazler, 2009; Trach, Hymel, Waterhouse and Neale, 2010). For example, researchers identify strong and consistent trends that indicate girls are more likely to support victims with positive actions (Oh Hazler, 2009; Trach, Hymel, Waterhouse and Neale, 2010). The purpose of this study is contrary to previous studies and will take a particular interest in the motivations for prosocial behaviour in terms of direct or indirect intervention. Bystanders who take a direct intervention approach often intervene by discouraging the bully, helping the victim, or redirecting the situation, whereas those who use indirect intervention report the bullying to an adult or teacher, talk to a friend, or get other bystanders to help (Trach, Hymel, Waterhouse N eale, 2010). However, it is interesting to consider that the intervention approach bystanders chose to take will be influenced by the policies, responses to victims and peerShow MoreRelatedBully5482 Words   |  22 Pages------------------------------------------------- Bullying From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia For the Wikipedia guidance essay, see  Wikipedia:WikiBullying Bullying is detrimental to students’ well-being and development.[1] Bullying  is the use of force or  coercion  to  abuse  or  intimidate  others. The behavior can be habitual and involve an imbalance of social or physical  power. It can include verbal  harassment  or  threat, physical  assault  or coercion and may be directed repeatedly towards particular victims, perhaps on groundsRead MoreHalimbawa Ng Term Paper6581 Words   |  27 PagesDON SERVILLANO PLATON MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Sta. Cruz Tinambac Camarines Sur S/Y 2012-2013 The Effect of Bullying In The School to Students of Don Servillano Platon Memorial High School Janice Tamayo Inocencio (Researcher) Mrs. Adelaida Espejo (English Professor) Acknowledgements I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the special people who have extended their assistance for the