Linda Petrusi holds a BA in International Studies, a Minor in Black Studies, a certificate in mediation and will shortly complete her Masters in Conflict Resolution. Feedback to: linda@caribbeannetnews.com

How many of us experienced bullying growing up?  How many of us were bullies?  And finally, how many of us watched as others were being bullied only to stand and watch in silence because we did not know what to do?

Students today face enormous pressure in schools and neighborhoods.  Numerous incidents of violence, bullying and cruelty are reported almost on a daily basis by the media.  Victims of bullying begin to fear going to school.  As their fear intensifies, school absences increase to the point that some students eventually stop going to school at all.  Moreover, a culture of fear becomes established within the school by students who know that bullying is occurring and become afraid because they too could become potential victims.

The negative impact of bullying is clear and the reasons why bullying continues is clear as well.   Observational research conducted on school grounds showed that many adults were not aware that bullying was occurring and even if they were, they did not try to stop it. (Wendy Craig, 1997, 2000)  In addition, Craig and her colleagues (2000) found that the vast majority of students tended to be involved in bullying both in the classroom and school grounds (from 79% to 84%).  In addition, when students do get involved, their behavior often reinforces bullying. (Salmvialli)  The silence of the bystanders is often interpreted by the bully as acknowledgment or approval of the act.  However, the bystanders have much to fear by intervening.  They are not aware of ways to be more helpful in these situations, they fear retaliation or they fear that any intervention will only make the situation worse. (Hazler: 1996)

However, bystanders make up almost 85% of the school population (Garrity, et al 1994).  This creates a powerful number of students who are aware that bullying is occurring and do not have the necessary skills to intervene.  These bystanders are in a position to create a learning environment that is caring and respectful of other students’ point of view as well as helping to diminish school violence.

Here are some suggestions that may be helpful to prevent bullying:

• The bystanders fears must be acknowledged by adults who will take action
• Bystanders need to be taught effective ways of intervention and be rewarded for intervening
• Strength in numbers should be emphasized.  Bystanders need to be aware that by standing united, they can make a difference and can positively impact a schools environment. (Bonds and Stoker: 2000)

The silent majority of bystanders can make a positive impact on their school environment, which in turn creates a safe and caring culture so that learning without fear can become a reality.