Exploring bystanders
In this section, you’ll learn about the bystander effect*, why people might not always feel able to help, what motivates people to help and how you can put kindness into action.
*The bystander effect describes a situation where many people see someone in need of help but no-one steps forward to help. We know that once people understand the bystander effect and barriers to action, they are more likely to help someone in need of first aid.
Learning objectives
- Learn how to explain what the 'Bystander effect' is
- Learn to identify why some people might hesitate to act and what inspires others to act
- Practise evaluating how people respond in first aid situations
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Learn
With this activity explore what the bystander effect means and the impact it can have.
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Exploring Bystanders - learn activity
Practise
With this activity explore the bystander effect in a real life situation and what helped someone overcome it.
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The Bystander effect in action - practise activity
Download The Bystander effect in action - practise activity (DOCX)
Other sections you might be interested in...
Choosing to help
Explore what motivates people to help others and discover your own helping qualities.
Safety and wellbeing
Learn and practise how to keep safe, use coping skills and look after your wellbeing when helping others.
Share and remember
Share what you’ve learned with others and remember your learning
First aid skills
Learn and practise 17 different first aid skills secondary school students can use to help others.
Secondary guidance and support
This section includes curriculum links, a teacher and educator guide and everything you need to get started.
