You know the situation isn’t okay. You know you should intervene. You know you can intervene. So, why don’t you?
Make it accepted, make it expected. Often, we get influenced by our peers. Perhaps getting involved and helping others out isn’t considered cool or acceptable in your group. Maybe your friends don’t think it’s their business to help out people they don’t associate with. You can change that. Make it accepted, make it expected.
When you step up and help someone else, others in your group who have also wanted to intervene will feel more confident about doing so next time. Little by little, helping out someone being bullied can become normal for your group, all because you stepped up the first time.
What will they think? Perhaps we are afraid of what our friends will think of us if we do step in. What will they think of us for wanting to help people out? Will they think it’s okay? Will they not?
Be your own judge. Know how you will feel if you step in and help someone out who needs it. Consider how you will feel if you don’t help out. Will it make you feel better? Or, will you feel guilty, ashamed, and sad for letting someone continue to be hurt? If your friends are your friends, they will understand why you wanted to help out and will respect you for it, not judge you for stepping in.
Stand Up. Stand Strong.
Don’t just Stand by.
