Bystanders can play a key role in stopping bullying — both in school and online. Help your kids learn what it means to stand up for someone who is bullied.

Sadly, bullying among kids and teens is still very common in the U.S. About 20% of all students between 12 and 18 report being bullied at school. 

Bullying can take a toll on a young person’s mental and physical health. Victims of bullying are more likely to experience:

• Feelings of loneliness and sadness
• Changes in sleep and eating patterns
• Problems with school including lower GPA and test scores, missing school or dropping out
• Depression and anxiety
• Thoughts about suicide
• Feelings of wanting to harm themselves

Victims are not the only ones who suffer because of bullying. Kids and teens who witness bullying are also more likely to:

• Have increased use of alcohol and drugs
• Have increased feelings of anxiety and depression
• Miss or skip school

What Kids and Teens Can Do

Experts say bystanders play an important role in putting an end to bullying. While most kids who are bullied won’t tell anyone, someone else who sees it can report it to a teacher, parent or other trusted adult. This brings bullying out in the open.

Witnesses can also stand up to bullying by:

• Questioning the bullying behavior or changing the subject to redirect focus from the target
• Getting a group to help intervene to show there’s a number of people that don’t agree with the bullying
• Supporting the kid being bullied, walk with them or sit with them to diffuse any further interactions
• Reaching out to the target of bullying privately to let them know they are not alone and that they are cared about. Introduce them to new friends.

What Parents Can Do

Parents play a vital role in teaching young people ways to stand up to bullying, not just stand by.

1. Talk openly with your kids.
   Discuss the importance of treating all classmates with kindness and respect. If you’re not sure about how to bring up the topic, try watching a show or movie that features bullying with your kids. Ask if they see any similar situations at school or online. Ask them how it makes them feel and listen closely to what they have to say.
2. Explain that reporting bullying is not tattling.
   Let them know when they report bullying or cyber-bullying they’re doing the right thing. Kids can make an anonymous report if they feel uncomfortable. If their report isn’t taken seriously, encourage your child to talk to other adults until something is done.
3. Teach your kids how to safely support bullying victims.
   Emphasize that standing up to bullying doesn’t mean getting into a physical fight. They can help by being there for the victim, whether that’s soothing them after an attack or just sitting with them at lunch if they are alone.

The end to bullying can start with you and your kids. Talk with them about the importance of being kind and respectful. Make sure you lead by example by modeling that behavior with those around you.

Sources: Facts About Bullying,  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2024; The Effects of Bullying,  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2025