PB4L: Be an Upstander - not a Bystander

At our school, we have been encouraging the kids to be an upstander instead of a bystander in a safe way. An upstander will use words and/or actions that can help someone who is being bullied or being wronged.

There are many ways to take a stand, such as donating to a cause we believe in, speaking up for someone who was wronged, writing a letter, focusing on others who are in need, supporting a person who is being bullied, and getting someone else who can help with the situation like a teacher etc. 

It may be interesting for you to have a conversation with your child about what it means to be an upstander in a safe way. Some interesting conversations to have with your children could be along the lines of these scenarios:

1. A new student starts at your school this week, and he is having trouble fitting in. Some of your friends have been laughing behind his back. What would you do?
2. Someone shoves the girl in front of you. You want to stick up for them, but you don’t want to get into a fight. What would you do?
3. A student at school thinks it’s funny to keep teasing a friend in your class. You’re afraid she’s going to start hating school. What would you do?