In addition to the terrible problems that bullying creates for those who are directly involved, student bystanders to bullying also experience feelings of fear, discomfort, guilt, and helplessness. According to the U.S. Department of Education, bystanders may:

• Be afraid to associate with the victim for fear of either lowering their own status or of retribution from the bully and becoming victims themselves;

• Fear reporting bullying incidents because they do not want to be called a 'snitch', a 'tattler', or 'informer';

• Experience feelings of guilt and helplessness for not standing up to the bully on behalf of their classmate;

• Be drawn into bullying behavior by group pressure;

• Feel unsafe, unable to take action, or a loss of control