UPSTANDER

A person who speaks or acts in support of an individual or cause, particularly someone who intervenes on behalf of a person being attacked or bullied.
‘encourage your daughter to be an upstander, not a bystander’
– Oxford Dictionary

UPSTANDER

A person who speaks or acts in support of an individual or cause, particularly someone who intervenes on behalf of a person being attacked or bullied.
‘encourage your daughter to be an upstander, not a bystander’
– Oxford Dictionary

Peers are present as onlookers in 87% of bullying interactions, and play a central role in the bullying process.Cross, D., Shaw, T., Hearn, L., Epstein, M., Monks, H., Lester, L., & Thomas, L. 2009. Australian CovertBullying Prevalence Study (ACBPS). Child Health Promotion Research Centre, Edith Cowan University, Perth.

We aim to cause a tipping point in society where bullying is no longer accepted and UPSTANDERS prevail


Here are some ideas and projects to help you to exercise the UPSTANDER inside you!

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU SEE BULLYING:
TAKE ACTION!

REFUSE TO BE A BYSTANDER. If you see friends or classmates laughing along with the bullying, tell them that they are contributing to the problem. Never join in.

LEND A HAND. Ask the person who is being left out or picked on to join you and fellow Upstanders in an activity.

ALERT AN ADULT. Always notify a teacher or school administrator whenever you see someone being bullied.

STOP THE SPREAD OF HURTFUL MESSAGES. If someone sends you a message or tells you a rumour that is untrue, speak out. Let them know that this behaviour is not funny or cool.

BE A FRIEND. Welcome new students. Make friends outside of your circle. Eat lunch with someone who is eating alone.

RESPECT DIFFERENCES. Remind others that differences are something to be celebrated, not used to hurt others or make others feel inferior.Here are some ways that you can be an UPSTANDER

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT BULLYING

ADD TO THE BULLY PROJECT MURAL
HOST A SCREENING & DISCUSSION WITH YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS & COMMUNITY
GET THE SCHOOLS & COMMUNITIES TOOLKIT

10 ways to be an UPSTANDER

Adapted from BullyBust

  • 1. Help others who are being bullied

    Be a friend, even if this person is not yet your friend. Go over to him. Let him know how you think he is feeling. Walk with him. Help him to talk to an adult about what just happened. (Just think for a moment about how great this would be if someone did this for you when you were being picked on or hurt!)

  • 2. Stop untrue or harmful messages from spreading
    If someone tells you a rumor that you know is untrue or sends you a message that is hurtful to someone else, stand up and let the person know this is wrong. Think about how you would feel if someone spread an untrue rumor about you. Don’t laugh, send the message on to friends, or add to the story. Make it clear that you do not think that kind of behavior is cool or funny.

  • 3. Get friends involved
    Let people know that you are an UPSTANDER and encourage them to be one too. Sign the Stand Up Pledge, and make it an everyday commitment for you and your friends.
  • 4. Make friends outside of your circle
    Eat lunch with someone who is alone. Show support for a person who is upset at school, by asking them what is wrong or bringing them to an adult who can help.
  • 5. Be aware of the bullying policy at your school and keep it in mind when you witness bullying
    If there isn’t a policy, get involved or ask teachers or front office staff to speak about how you can reduce bullying.
  • 6. Reach out to new people at your school
    Make an effort to introduce them around and help them feel comfortable. Imagine how you would feel leaving your friends and coming to a new school.
  • 7. Refuse to be a “bystander”
    If you see friends or classmates laughing along with the person bullying others, tell them that they are contributing to the problem. Let them know that by laughing they are also bullying others.
  • 8. Respect others’ differences and help others to respect differences
    It’s cool for people to be different – that’s what makes all of us unique. Join a diversity club at school to help promote tolerance in your school.
  • 9. Develop a bullying program or project with a teacher or principal’s support that will help reduce bullying in school
    Bring together a team of students, parents and teachers to meet and talk about bullying on a regular basis and share stories and support. Discuss the “hot spots” where bullying most likely occurs (ex. the bus, bathroom, an unmonitored hallway) and what can be done on a school level to make sure students and teachers are safe and supported. Learn more about how to start an Upstander Alliance at www.bullybust.org/upstander and access free support to sustain your team.
  • 10. Educate yourself and your community about bullying
    For example: Why do kids bully? Where does bullying take place most often in your school? What are the effects of bullying? Why are people afraid to get involved? Understanding this information will help you if you are bullied and will help you to stand up to bullies.

DOWNLOADS

  • TAKE ACTION POSTCARD

    Download

  • 10 WAYS TO BE AN UPSTANDER

    Adapted from BullyBust Download

  • WHAT DO YOU SAY TO 'THAT'S SO GAY'

    By Welcoming Schools Download.

  • EMPOWERING BYSTANDERS

    from expert Rosalind Wiseman – Creating Cultures of Dignity Download

  • INTERNET SAFETY STRATEGIES FOR YOUTH

    from Anti-Defamation League Download

START YOUR OWN BULLY PROJECT

SIGN UP FOR THE NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST BULLYING & VIOLENCE
ENTER A FILM ABOUT BEING AN UPSTANDER TO ACMI’S SCREEN IT COMPETITION

  • Love Is Louder: Student Action Guide

    Ideas for using the film BULLY to create discussions and action. Click here to download the guide.

  • 10 QUESTIONS STUDENTS CAN ASK

    To make their schools more caring and safe places. Created by the Bullying Prevention Initiative, Harvard Graduate School of Education Click here to download.

START YOUR OWN UPSTANDER AWARD

LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION? CHECK OUT THESE AWESOME UPSTANDERS

UPSTANDER: HABIB, CRANBOURNE SECONDARY COLLEGE
MULTIPRIDE: How Celebrating Cultures Can Fight Racism In Your School

UPSTANDERS: JESS & ALEX, WIRREANDA HIGH SCHOOL
WEAR IT PURPLE DAY: How Challenging “That’s So Gay” Made a School Safer

UPSTANDER: DAYNA, ARNO BAY
BREAKING DOWN THE DOOR DAY: How One Young Person Can Bust Stereotypes in a Small Town

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO IN YOUR SCHOOL OR COMMUNITY?

TELL US ABOUT IT!

  • SHARE YOUR UPSTANDER INITIATIVES WITH US!

    We want to hear about all the work you’ve been doing to stand up against bullying in your school and community. Submit

  • NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR AN UPSTANDER AWARD

    Do you know someone who has done something awesome to create a safer more inclusive community? Submit Nomination