What is an active bystander?
A bystander is a person who is present and witnesses something but is not directly involved in it whereas an active bystander is someone who not only witnesses a situation, but takes action to keep a situation from escalating or to disrupt a problematic situation.
Active bystanders are valuable allies in combating disrespectful behaviour, attitudes and systems and play a pivotal role in helping prevent incidents from occurring in the first place. But you don’t become one by just talking or posting about it. It requires self-education and action.
Read more on how to be an active bystander and safely intervene in future situations.
Ways to be an active bystander
Below we explore how to be an active bystander and respond to situations appropriately.
We would like to credit with the creation of Be A Better Human and making their research and content available to other universities as we all look to address culture and behaviours within our own communities.