bystander

Everyday

A bystander is a person who is near when something happens, especially an accident, a fight or bullying, but is not part of it. tree →

In the lessons

In social and safety lessons pupils learn about bystanders of bullying: a bystander can choose to be an «upstander» and help, by telling an adult, comforting the person or not joining in. In first aid, a bystander can call an ambulance or help until help arrives. In news: «innocent bystanders» are people who got hurt by chance.

Examples

• A bystander called the ambulance. tree →
• Don't just be a bystander when someone is being bullied — tell a teacher. tree →
• Several bystanders saw the accident. tree →
• An innocent bystander was hurt by the falling sign. tree →
• A bystander who helps is called an upstander. tree →
• The bystanders cheered when the cat was rescued. tree →
• Having broken her wings by the blow, she fell to the ground, and was caught by one of the bystanders. tree →

Note

Countable: a bystander, bystanders. One word from «by» + «stander». Watching and laughing at bullying is not being neutral: it can make the bully feel supported.