Rethinking the Bystander Role in School Violence Prevention

Public concerns about school shootings and safety draw attention to the role bystanders can play in preventing school violence. Although school violence prevention plans are often required, there is little guidance about whether these should address the roles of bystanders and what actions bystander...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health promotion practice 2006-01, Vol.7 (1), p.117-124
Main Authors: Stueve, Ann, Dash, Kimberly, O'Donnell, Lydia, Tehranifar, Parisa, Wilson-Simmons, Renée, Slaby, Ronald G., Link, Bruce G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bullying
Bystanders
Helping Behavior
Humans
Peer Group
Preventive programmes
School environment
Schools
Social Environment
Violence
Violence - prevention & control
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Summary:Public concerns about school shootings and safety draw attention to the role bystanders can play in preventing school violence. Although school violence prevention plans are often required, there is little guidance about whether these should address the roles of bystanders and what actions bystanders should take in different circumstances, from more common instances of bullying and fighting to rare, but potentially lethal, threats and use of weapons. Literature pertaining to bystanders is reviewed and applied to the school setting. The definition of bystander is expanded, including parents, teachers, and other school staff as well as youths and those who have information about potential violence as well as those who witness its occurrence. Barriers preventing bystanders from taking positive actions are discussed. The authors call on health promotion researchers and practitioners to work with school communities to identify norms, attitudes, and outcome expectancies that shape bystander behaviors to inform prevention efforts.
ISSN:1524-8399
1552-6372
DOI:10.1177/1524839905278454