Anti Bullying Week: How to Be an Upstander - Not a Bystander
Bullying can happen anywhere. in school corridors, online group chats, playgrounds, classrooms, and even within friendship groups. Most of us have seen it… but sometimes we don’t know what to do in the moment.
At Keane Futures, we believe every young person deserves safety, kindness, and dignity. A culture of respect starts when even one person chooses to stand up instead of stand by. That’s what it means to be an Upstander.
What Is an Upstander?
A bystander sees bullying happen and does nothing.
An upstander notices what’s going on and chooses to act safely and confidently.
Being an upstander doesn’t always mean stepping into the situation directly.
It can be as simple as:
Checking if the person is okay
Inviting them to move away from the situation
Speaking to an adult you trust
Using your voice to say, “That’s not okay.”
Why It Matters
When bullying happens, the person being targeted often feels alone.
But even one person standing beside them can:
Reduce the emotional impact
Stop the bullying from continuing
Help them feel valued and supported
Kindness is strength.
Small actions truly make a difference.
Download & Display Our Upstander Poster
We’ve created a bold, youth-friendly poster you can print and display in:
Schools
Youth clubs
Common rooms
Classrooms
Community centres
🖨️ Download the A4 Poster:
Click here to download the Upstander Poster
This poster teaches young people the five steps to safely step in when they see bullying happening.
Because confidence grows with clear guidance.
Supporting Parents & Carers
Bullying doesn’t only affect the person being targeted.
Sometimes a young person may be the one bullying others, and this also requires empathy, guidance, and support.
We’ve created a Parent Support Sheet to help you:
Respond calmly
Understand the emotions behind the behaviour
Teach accountability
Rebuild positive relationships
👪 Download the Parent Support Guide:
Click here to download the Parent Support Sheet
A Culture of Care Starts with Us
When young people learn to support each other, they build safer, happier communities, now and for their future.
If you'd like training, workshops, or further resources for your school or organisation, get in touch.
We’re here to help.
Kindness is strength… and we teach it.
Signposting & Support
If you or someone you know is being bullied, is feeling overwhelmed, or needs to talk to someone, these organisations may help:
Mental Health & Wellbeing Support
YoungMinds
Advice for young people & parents on mental health
https://www.youngminds.org.uk
Kooth
Free online counselling for young people
https://www.kooth.com
Childline
Confidential support for under 19s, 24/7
https://www.childline.org.uk / 0800 1111
Samaritans
24/7 listening support for anyone struggling
https://www.samaritans.org / 116 123
Mind
Mental health information & local support
https://www.mind.org.uk
Bullying Help & Information
Anti-Bullying Alliance
Advice, guidance & school resources
https://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
Kidscape
Practical support for children experiencing bullying
https://www.kidscape.org.uk
Bullying UK
Support for families & young people
https://www.familylives.org.uk/advice/bullying