The role of witnesses: how to stop bullying in the classroom

Whenever a case of bullying is reported, it's common to hear phrases like , "There's bullying in my son's classroom, but he has nothing to do with it." This attitude, while understandable, overlooks a crucial reality: when it comes to bullying, it's not just the victim and the aggressor who matter , but also those who watch, remain silent, laugh, or record it with their cell phones.

Bullying is a complex social phenomenon that affects one in three adolescents worldwide. It consists of repeated attacks where there is an imbalance of power that prevents the victim from defending themselves. But what many families and schools still fail to recognize is that the presence and attitude of the group can perpetuate or stop the violence in a matter of seconds.

During an investigation at schools in Bogotá and Chía (Colombia), a shocking case was documented: a teenager was beaten while more than 50 students shouted "let blood flow." No one intervened, but everyone played a role:

• “Reinforcers” who validate the aggression with their laughter, singing, or applause.
• “Passive observers” who remain silent or watch as if nothing were happening.
• “Defenders” , the rarest, who intervene on behalf of the victim or ask for help.

Far from being neutral, bystanders take a stance, even when they choose not to act . Their reaction has a direct impact on both the extent of the harm and the likelihood of stopping the harassment.

Studies show that if a peer intervenes, the bullying episode stops in less than 10 seconds . Furthermore, when bystanders show empathy and support, the victim suffers less emotional impact , which reduces the risk of anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal.

The problem: Although most students witness bullying, they rarely act on it . Whether out of fear, social pressure, or lack of tools, they choose to remain silent bystanders.

Teaching children and adolescents to "stop staring" is one of the most promising strategies for reducing bullying. But it's not enough to tell them "if you see something, say something" ; they must be trained in how to do it. These are the most effective ways:

• Direct intervention : When the student feels safe, he or she can distract , stop the aggressor without violence , or verbally support the victim: “Leave him or her alone” or “That’s it.”
• Emotional intervention : Accompany the victim after the incident, include them and show empathy (“are you okay?”, “you can count on me”).
• Ask an adult for help : Discreetly inform a teacher or counselor if direct intervention poses a social or physical risk.
• Containing the Reinforcers : Working with those who celebrate or share the bullying, helping them develop empathy, self-control, and assertiveness.

Students are more likely to intervene when they know the victim . Therefore, schools should foster a sense of belonging and community: "Here, we are all responsible for taking care of ourselves." Anti-bullying campaigns should focus on building bonds, trust, and collective sensitivity, not just prohibiting hitting or insults.

Combating bullying doesn't just mean teaching people not to hit , but also not to laugh at the hurt, not to record it, not to share it, and not to ignore it . Every witness has the power to stop the violence and protect the mental health of their peers.

If we aspire to safe schools, we need to educate children and adolescents with empathy, courage, and group awareness. Because in bullying, there are no innocent bystanders: silence can also be powerful .