What to do if you see unwanted behaviour

1. Make sure you’re safe first

• Assess the situation: Before stepping in, ask yourself, “Is it safe for me to get involved?” If the situation feels dangerous or you’re unsure, get help from someone else instead.
• Avoid direct confrontation if it feels dangerous: If the person acting inappropriately seems aggressive or threatening, focus on finding help rather than intervening alone. Alert someone in authority, like a teacher, security guard, or trusted adult, who can handle the situation.

2. Check in with the person affected

If it’s safe, ask if they’re okay. For example:

• “Do you need help?”
• “Do you want to leave together?”

Let them know you’re there for them, but only if you can do so safely.

3. If it feels safe, be direct

If you feel comfortable and safe, you can calmly address the behavior. For example:

• “That’s not okay. You need to stop.”
• “Leave them alone.”

Avoid escalating the situation – speak firmly but stay calm.

4. Support the person afterward

• Once the situation is over, check in with the person affected to see how they’re feeling.
• Encourage them to talk to a trusted adult, counselor, or support service if needed.

What if you’re unsure?
It’s okay if you don’t know what to do right away. The most important thing is to prioritize safety – yours and the person affected. If stepping in feels unsafe, focus on finding help from someone who can intervene.

Remember: You don’t have to handle everything alone. Your safety always comes first, and even small actions like calling for help or showing support can make a big difference.

If you’ve had an unpleasant experience you may suffer from depression, guilty feelings or embarrassment, but also from stomach aches or nightmares. Learn more about coping after a difficult experience.