When we hear about bullying, it’s our tendency to focus on the bully and the victim. But in reality, we need to start focusing our attention on a third party: that’s the bystander.

Bullies are performing for an audience. Research shows that eighty-five percent of bullying takes place in front of other people. That means every day, our children are sitting back and watching while others are getting teased and bullied.

But listen to this: a recent study found that bullying stops in less than ten seconds when someone intervenes.

Moms, Dads, it’s crucial that we teach our children the importance of standing up for others. I sincerely believe that the only way to end this bully epidemic, is to engage and encourage the bystander to become involved.

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