Bullying has been a long-standing issue in the school environment, and its prevalence has become more pronounced in recent years. A lot of studies have been conducted on this issue, especially on its impact on bullies and victims.

However, there is another perspective that researchers have begun exploring in-depth, which is the impact of observers’ attitudes on school bullying. Observers refer to those individuals who witness bullying but are not directly involved, such as classmates, teachers, and other school staff.

What Does Research Say About Observer Attitudes?

Research into the impact of observer attitudes on school bullying has revealed that their beliefs, emotions, and actions play a significant role in either alleviating or perpetuating bullying in the school environment.

According to a report by the National Academies Press, “observers can intervene, discourage, or reinforce bullying behavior depending on their attitudes and actions towards it” (2016).

The Role of Attitudes in Alleviating Bullying

Attitudes that are helpful in alleviating bullying include a clear understanding of what constitutes bullying, empathy for victims, a willingness to intervene, and a sense of responsibility to create a safe school environment.

A study carried out by Hinduja and Patchin (2008) found that fourth and fifth grade students who had a clear understanding of what bullying constitutes were less likely to endorse or perpetrate bullying behavior. Additionally, a study by Thornberg (2011) found that the willingness of teachers and school staff to intervene and take action against bullying significantly reduced the incidence of bullying in their schools.

The Role of Attitudes in Perpetuating Bullying

Negative attitudes towards bullying can perpetuate it in the school environment. These include attitudes that downplay the seriousness of bullying, perpetuate harmful myths, and reinforce stereotypes.

A study by Marini, Keyes, and Fediuk (2016) found that students who display negative attitudes towards bullying were more likely to endorse and perpetrate it. Such students tend to believe that bullying is not a serious problem, that it is a normal part of growing up and that victims bring it upon themselves.

How Can Observers’ Attitudes Be Changed?

Schools need to take a proactive approach to changing the attitudes of observers towards bullying.

One way to achieve this is through education and training that focuses on creating an awareness of the seriousness of bullying and its negative impact on everyone involved. Additionally, schools can come up with programs that aim to promote empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards creating a safe and supportive school environment.

The Role of Parents in Changing Observer Attitudes

Parents can also play a significant role in changing the attitudes of observers.

When parents demonstrate a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and model positive behaviors, they can influence the attitudes and behaviors of their children towards bullying. Additionally, parents can teach their children to speak out against bullying and report incidents to teachers and school administrators.

The Impact of Observer Attitudes on Victims and Bullies

The attitudes of observers can significantly impact the well-being of both bullies and victims.

Research has shown that when observers take action against bullying, it can help reduce the incidence of bullying and lead to positive outcomes for both the bully and victim. For instance, when observers intervene by showing empathy towards the victim and confronting the bully, it can help the victim feel supported and reassure them that they are not alone.

Additionally, such actions can help bullies recognize the harm they have caused and take steps to make amends and change their behavior.

The Role of Teachers and School Staff in Changing Observer Attitudes

Teachers and school staff are well-positioned to change the attitudes of observers towards bullying. They can do this by modeling positive behaviors, taking swift action against bullying incidents, and promoting a safe and supportive school environment.

Additionally, schools can come up with programs that aim to promote empathy and compassion among students.

The Importance of Taking Action

Bullying is a serious issue that can have negative consequences for everyone involved. Observers’ attitudes towards bullying can either alleviate or perpetuate this issue.

Schools, parents, teachers, and school staff need to take proactive steps to change the attitudes of observers towards bullying. This will not only help create a safe and supportive school environment, but it will also positively impact the well-being of both bullies and victims.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the attitudes of observers play a significant role in school bullying. Negative attitudes towards it can perpetuate bullying, while positive attitudes can alleviate it.

Schools, parents, teachers, and school staff need to take proactive steps to change the attitudes of observers towards bullying. This can be done through education, training, and programs aimed at creating an awareness of the seriousness of bullying and promoting empathy and compassion.

Changing observer attitudes can help create a safe and supportive school environment and positively impact the well-being of both bullies and victims.