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  • Be an Active Bystander

    Be an Active Bystander

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How to be an active bystander

An active bystander is someone who, when noticing a situation that concerns them, does something about it - they are everyday superheroes. Maybe you're looking out for your friends, maybe you're calling them out when they are making an offensive comment towards another person. Each situation is different, but there are some basic things you can do in any scenario.

1. Notice the event

A friend showing you a nude that was sent to them privately, hearing someone making a homophobic, sexist or racist remark towards another person or group, or noticing a peer incessantly pursuing someone who is not interested - these are all situations where you can intervene.

2. Identify if it's a problem

Interpreting an event as a problem requires judgement on your part but, as a guide, question whether the situation at hand makes you feel uncomfortable. Would you behave the same way? Would this kind of behaviour be okay if it were occurring to a friend or family member? If you are unsure about positively answering these questions, or the answer makes you feel uncomfortable, chances are this is a situation for intervention.

3. Take responsibility

This is perhaps the hardest step; deciding to step up. In difficult situations, we often assume that someone else will do something - surely the woman at the club has friends who will come to her aid - but if we all assume someone else will step in, nothing will happen.

4. Make a plan

There are a number of different ways to intervene and step in - either directly or indirectly. Just remember to be respectful and mindful of your own safety and the person concerned, whether you decide to act in the moment or check-in with them after the fact to see how they feel.

5. Act

Here are a few ways you can intervene and be an active bystander:

  • Choose to not participate in a negative conversation
  • Call out bad behaviour
  • Derail an incident from occurring by distracting the would-be perpetrator (i.e. ask for the time, directions, what drink they're having)
  • Offer assistance to the person concerned by listening or helping them to report the incident

Thank you to the amazing team at Flinders University Student Association for their hard work and dedication in creating this campaign.

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