Parenting Perspective 

Explain the Responsibility of a Bystander 

If your child is bystanding during bullying, it is important to address the situation by teaching them how to be an active participant in creating a safe and supportive environment. You can start by explaining to your child that bullying is harmful and that standing by without intervening is not the right approach. You might say, ‘When you see someone being bullied, it is important to speak up or to get help. By doing nothing, we let the bully think that their behaviour is okay, but it is not.’ 

Teach Safe Ways to Take Action 

Encourage your child to take action in a way that ensures both their safety and the well-being of others. You can teach them that they can stand up for the victim by either speaking out or seeking help from a teacher or another trusted adult. For example, ‘You can tell the bully, ‘That is not right, and you should not treat others that way,’ or you can go to a teacher for help.’ By teaching your child how to respond, you are equipping them with the tools to make the right choice when they witness bullying. 

Practice and Reinforce 

It is important to role-play different scenarios with your child so they can feel more confident in taking action when they see bullying happen. For example, you might practise saying, ‘Stop that! It is not nice to treat people like that,’ in a calm but firm voice. Praise your child when they show the courage to stand up for others, even in small ways. This reinforces the idea that by standing up against bullying, they are making a positive impact and are fostering a safer environment for everyone. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, standing up for justice and supporting others is a key principle. Allah Almighty says in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nisa (4), Verse 135: 

‘O you who are believers, remain upright in upholding justice, bearing witness (to such actions) for the sake of Allah (Almighty); even if it goes against your own interest, or that of your parents, or your close relatives…’ 

This verse teaches us that we must always stand up for justice, even when it is difficult or requires personal sacrifice. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also taught us to protect and to support the vulnerable, especially in situations of injustice. It is recorded in Sunan Abi Dawood, Hadith 3252, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘Speak the truth, even if it is bitter.’ 

This Hadith reinforces that we are obligated to speak out against wrongdoing and to stand up for others. By teaching your child to intervene and to stand up for those who are being bullied, you are helping them to embody these essential Islamic values of justice, courage, and compassion.