What if I witness bullying or harassment?

Bystander intervention is a vital component in tackling bullying and harassment, as we all have a part to play in creating a respectful culture for learning and academic research.

Through our everyday interactions we are challenging or enforcing social norms, we are leading by example and role modelling behaviour.

Broadly speaking there are five types of intervention an individual can take when they are a bystander to inappropriate behaviour or language:

Direct: If you feel able, you can address the behaviour with the actor.

Distract: Interrupt or change the focus to defuse the situation.

Delegate: Get help from someone in a position to intervene, perhaps a member of staff, a colleague or if needed perhaps security.

Document: Record what you see (e.g. notes, video) if safe, to support the person later.

Delay: Check in with the person afterwards, offer support, and let them know they’re not alone.

You may need to use more than one intervention, depending on the situation.

Learn more about being a responsible bystander.