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:
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?