Parenting Pointers: The Power of the Bullying Bystander

The extensive discussions on the topic of bullying seems to focus most of not tolerating bullies and on better supporting their victims, equipping them to withstand bullying behavior. Rarely is the third actor in the bullying dynamic -- the bystander -- given attention...until now.

 

“The bystander is present in the vicinity of the bullying but is not the direct target of the traumatizing behavior,” says Ira Chaleff, international best-selling author, speaker and consultant, who is passionate about empowering parents, educators, and organization leaders to value and foster Intelligent Disobedience in today’s youth. “Therefore, the bystander is better equipped psychologically to respond to the situation. They are the actor with the greatest potential power to interrupt the destructive behavior.”

He's written several books, including Intelligent Disobedience: Doing Right When What You’re Told To Do Is Wrong; The Courageous Follower: Standing Up To and For Our Leaders; and The Art of Followership: How Great Followers Make Great Leaders and Organizations. 

It's hard to grasp the idea of intelligent disobedience, but sometimes it's more important to stand up for our principles and what's truly right than it is to do what we're told. Visit his website to learn more!