Would you stop a bully?

People had to answer that question last fall as they waited at a bus stop in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A television network (Up TV) staged a video to test what they call the "bystander effect" on bullying. Using teenage actors, the station had two older girls bully a younger one at the bus stop, asking her if she had any non-imaginary friends; mocking her appearance and poking fun at her study habits.

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The video was viewed over 230,000 times the first day, and the results of the social experiment were good. Strangers from different backgrounds, races, ages and genders intervened to stop the bullying. According to director Rob Bliss, "This video sums up the importance of being aware of your surroundings and the warning signs of bullying, even in kids that aren't our own." In other words, it takes a village to stop bullying. To see the 3 minute video, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=75gsCJaXTnQ