Silence encourages bullying. To remain silent is to give tacit approval for what is happening. But kids don't realize the power their silence gives to a bully. They don't understand that by doing nothing, they are doing the most harmful thing possible.

Bystanders who don't tell are part of the problem — they are a big part of the problem. And the only way to break the silence is to empower kids to feel safe and supported when they stand up to the bullies on behalf of other kids or tell an adult about the bullying. If all bystanders were unified in their disapproval and condemnation of bullying behavior, it would have to stop.

Mara is being taunted by Leah. Mara is crying and hugging herself while Leah hurls ugly insult after ugly insult at her. A group of girls sitting close by notices the bullying and one girl says, “Hey! Knock it off! Leave Mara alone!” Leah stops for a minute, then lets another insult fly.

This time, all of the other girls speak simultaneously, “Go away!” “Stop it!” “What's your problem?” “Can't you see you hurt her feelings?” Leah, outnumbered, backs away.

If all kids came to the aid of victimized kids (as this group of girls did for Mara), the world would be a much happier place. The bullies wouldn't be allowed to get away with bad behavior, and perhaps they would realize that their behavior is not funny or entertaining; it's hurtful and degrading, and it's high time it stopped.