Witnesses of bullying at school: passive observers or active subjects of its prevention?

One of the crucial tasks of Russian schools is to create a safe learning environment for every child, employing effective measures to combat violence by individual students. The article analyzes the experience of different countries in the prevention of bullying in educational institutions. It is emphasized that existing measures primarily focus on addressing the aggressor and victim, neglecting the role of students who witness psychological and physical violence. Empirical research conducted among 15-16-year-olds in 2023-2024 reveals that only 17 % attempt to intervene when confronted with aggressive peer behavior, while others prefer non-intervention. Through in-depth interviews with teachers and students, the reasons behind such behaviors are explored. The article discusses the potential for instilling orientations among students to actively engage in preventing all forms of bullying in class, promoting the independent protection of each student’s mental and physical health. It proposes integrating spiritual and moral development to cultivate collaborative skills among students in fostering friendly relationships within the classroom and school. Drawing from domestic experience in fostering collectivism, the article suggests transforming the behavior of passive bystanders of bullying into active participants in its prevention.