In 1964, a New York Times story reported that 38 neighbors watched Kitty Genovese being attacked outside her Queens apartment building and that none of them called the police. Later reviews of court and police records found little support for that account. Far fewer people saw the attack, and some of the people who heard it tried to help. Even so, the story led psychologists to study why people hold back when others are around, and that research gave us the bystander effect.
The bystander effect describes how people feel less responsible for helping when they are in a group. Everyone assumes someone else will act, so no one does.
Students see this every day: a crowd gathering around a fight on the playground, classmates watching one student taunt another in class, a group chat where hurtful messages go unanswered. Early research suggests the same pattern can show up in online chat settings too.
To help students find the courage to step in, some schools have created upstander programs. These programs teach students, teachers, and staff to recognize harmful behavior, understand their role in preventing it, and take appropriate action when they see bullying, harassment, discrimination, or other unsafe situations.
Give Students Steps to Follow
Effective training often uses a mnemonic so students remember what to do in the moment. One widely used example is the Five Ds of bystander intervention, developed by Right To Be: Direct, Distract, Delegate, Delay, and Document.
- Direct: Speak up about the behavior, only when it is safe.
- Distract: Interrupt the situation without confronting anyone, by changing the subject or drawing attention elsewhere.
- Delegate: Get help from a trusted adult.
- Delay: Check in with the person afterward and offer support.
- Document: When appropriate, write down what happened so an adult can follow up.
These steps show students that stepping in does not have to mean confronting someone in public.
Match the Training to the Age Group
Younger students can focus on recognizing unkind behavior, including others, and telling a trusted adult. Middle and high school students can work through more complex situations involving cyberbullying, social exclusion, peer pressure, and harassment. Teachers and staff can learn to recognize warning signs, respond consistently, and reinforce a culture of accountability and respect.
Make It More Than One Presentation
Successful training goes beyond a single assembly. Role-playing, age-appropriate discussions, classroom activities, and regular reinforcement help people practice their skills and build confidence. Schools should also set clear reporting procedures, protect students from retaliation, and make sure every report is handled promptly and appropriately.
When students and adults know how to recognize harm and respond, a school community shifts from passive observers to active supporters of safety and inclusion, and more students feel valued, supported, and able to speak up.
Sources:
Schools