Active Bystanders
Active bystanders are individuals who intervene safely and appropriately when they observe harmful behavior—such as harassment, discriminatory remarks, or threats—instead of looking away.
The goal is to prevent or reduce harm, support those affected, and send a clear message: “This is not okay”.
Why is active bystanding important?
- Looking away exacerbates harm: When bystanders do nothing, it increases the stress on those affected. Visible support reduces stress and communicates to those affected that they are not alone.
- Overcoming the bystander effect: People are less likely to take action in groups because they hope others will intervene. Consciously using simple intervention steps helps to break through this inhibition threshold.
- Prevention: Addressing warning signs early helps prevent escalation, including in educational institutions and the workplace.
The 5Ds of active bystander intervention
Choose what is safe for you and appropriate for the situation:
- Distract
Use a harmless interruption to steer the situation in a different direction (e.g., ask for directions, “accidentally” get in the way, stage a minor incident). Focus: stay with the person affected.
- Delegate
Ask others for help (security personnel, teachers, colleagues, fellow travelers) and clearly state what is happening and what kind of support you need..
- Document
Only when someone is already providing support: safely document the incident (notes or video), record the time, place, and details – and afterwards ask the affected person how the material should be handled.
- Delay
If you couldn’t intervene, check in later, offer to accompany them, and refer them to support services.
- Direct
Calmly and clearly name or stop the behavior (“We do not accept this comment here”). Only if the risk is low – otherwise choose one of the indirect options.
Safety principles:
- Prioritize your own safety
- avoid escalation
- respect the consent of the person concerned (particularly when documenting)
Note that several “Ds” may be combined.
Create a memory log by using the Template for documenting incidents
Common obstacles – and how to overcome them
- “No one else is doing anything…” → Recognize the bystander effect and deliberately choose a small action, such as distracting or delegating.
- “I don’t want to make things worse…” → Conduct a safety check (distance, exits, support), and use indirect Ds where possible.
- “Filming is always a good idea…” → Only document if others are already helping – and ensure you have the consent of the person concerned/involved.
Resources
Show Up: A Guide to Bystander Intervention
A guide released in November 2017 by Right To Be and designed in collaboration with the Center for Urban Pedagogy (CUP)
The 5Ds of Bystander Intervention
by Right To Be
Becoming an Active Bystander
University of Leeds
