Bystander Intervention | Springfield College

Bystander Intervention

Be an active bystander. Protect our pride.

Whether it’s a friend who’s drinking too much or a teammate using hurtful language, we’ve all been in situations that make us uncomfortable. But it can be difficult to speak up–especially if others are around. We may tell ourselves things like, “If no one else is worried, then I shouldn’t worry either.”

In a recent survey* of Springfield College students:

  • 92 percent had witnessed a time when someone was drinking too much
  • 65 percent heard someone using hurtful or derogatory language
  • 34 percent saw a friend experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide
  • 24 percent witnessed hazing
  • 20 percent witnessed someone at risk for a sexual assault

These are things that affect us all. When we protect our pride through bystander intervention, we do something about these situations. And, we can do it together. We have people who can help and services to support our students in spirit, mind, and body.

All you have to do is take the first step.

Wondering where to start or want to see it in action? Check out this video from Cornell** to see students intervene in all kinds of situations. 

*As reported on the Bystander Intervention Baseline Survey, May 2015. Data reported includes students who said they witnessed the situation very often, often, or occasionally.
**Video courtesy of Cornell University. Produced by the Skorton Center for Health Initiatives in collaboration with the Cornell Interactive Theater Ensemble. Visit the Intervene program website for more information. 
We express our appreciation to the University of Arizona C.A.T.S. Life Skills Program for allowing us to use modified versions of their STEP UP! Program content in this Springfield College campus initiative.

What is Bystander Intervention?

Bystander intervention means that individuals who are not directly involved in a situation help and have an impact on the outcome of a potentially problematic situation. It's a way of helping to make our community safer and healthier for everyone.

Student in the stairwell