When bullying happens, bystanders are present 80% of the time. When bystanders intervene, they become Upstanders… and Upstanders have the power to completely change the situation. In fact, when bystanders intervene, bullying stops within 10 seconds 57% of the time.

1 out of 5 U.S. students say they have been bullied at school. Imagine if every instance of bullying were confronted by Upstanders - the culture would change completely. We urge everyone to help others who are being bullied, even if this person is not yet your friend. 

Prevention Steps: 

• Reach out in friendship to someone who being isolated from others

• Being inclusive by welcoming others to join their activities and groups

• Being a role model for pro-social behavior by showing kindness, respect, and empathy for others

• Walking or sitting with or near vulnerable kids who may be targets of bullying

• Getting involved with bullying prevention efforts at school or in the community

Upstander Interventions During a Bullying Incident:

• Stay at a safe distance and help the target get away

• Defending the target of the bullying

• Intervening as a group

• Changing the subject

• Questioning the bullying behavior

• Using humor to lighten up a serious situation

• Openly stating an objection to bullying

• Stating approval of the victim and validating his or her social status

• Don't laugh, participate, become an "audience" for the bully, or encourage the bully in any way

Upstanders Can Address Bullying After it Happens:

• Reaching out privately to the target of the bullying to express support or concern

• Reporting the bullying to a trusted adult, parent, teacher, or school administrator

• Reaching out privately to the person doing the bullying to express concern, if they feels safe to do so.

Finally, let people know that you are an Upstander and encourage them to be one, too. Standing up to bullying is everyone's responsibility. When we unite against hate and start conversations of understanding, we create stronger, safer, and more supportive communities where every person is valued for who they are.

Have a question about your student's academics, attendance, social/emotional health? We'd love to talk and collaborate.

We're all in this together!

PLEASE NOTE: If you need immediate assistance we encourage you to access the following resources that are available any time of the day or night.

Lincoln Police Department (non-emergency) 402-441-6000 or 911 (emergency)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: call 988 or 988 Website 

National Crisis Text Line: text START to 741741 (text charges from your phone carrier may apply)

MyLNK is a website (https://mylnk.app) and a mobile app (for Apple and Android - search MyLNK) that has information about community resources. It can be downloaded in a wi-fi environment and then used when wi-fi is not available. The website provides translations in Spanish Vietnamese, and Arabic.

CenterPointe Help Line (Lincoln): 402-475-6695

Nebraska Family Helpline: 1-888-866-8660