WWYD - Intervene or keep walking?

[StepInOrLookAway]

Group of 9 kids, boys and girls, around 11 years old. One boy on the ground with 4 boys standing over him, at least one pushing down on him.

If you witnessed this would you intervene? If not, why not? Out of fear for your own safety? Would you alert anyone else? No judgement, just interested.

If they were that age and it was in my own home area then I'd definitely intervene. If I was out of area I'd call the police immediately.

@BaronessEllarawrosaurus

At 11 years old my son could have probably killed me with one punch. I would call the police.

I did intervene recently and it turned out they were just mucking about but I was still glad to have said something. Would haunt me to walk past an incident that I could have done something about

That's a brilliant idea. Never thought about that.

This

I'd probably call the police and try to get images of the bullies. I'd shout that I've called the police and beg them to stop. Unlikely that I'd dive in to physically intervene, most 11 years olds are taller than me and they can be quite vicious! Wish I was a bit tougher!

Intervene. I have an always intervene policy for years. Ive done it a couple of times with teens/younger kids fights and bullying in alleys and communal grounds when walking home. Start from a distance, shout, project your voice as loud and deep as you can. Very often in my experience they look up, see a grown up and scarper, but have your phone on video so you can move in closer or in case they approach you. The other thing to think about is who is around you and the bystander effect. Stopping the attack is always the morally correct action, and one person making a decisive intervention can give others who are in doubt/not sure whether to intervene or walk, the confidence and trigger to join you or back you up.

I have intervened in similar in the past - but I won't put my own children at risk so I'd only intervene if by myself/with another adult.

The last time I intervened I walked right into the middle of the group and started talking to the child who needed help. Thankfully it de-escalated everything just by interrupting and there wasn't any fallout.

This was on a busy high street though, dozens of people were watching. Some were filming probably hoping to catch something worth sharing on social media. Only I waded in to help the poor lad.

I’d intervene and have done in the past - a stern telling off is usually enough at that age.

I'd always intervene, another teacher so it's almost hardwired in me at this stage, like pps have said at that age usually a stern voice will do

Had this exact scenario not long ago, at first I walked past, but glanced back and then went back and intervened, then they turned on me and started shouting vile abuse at me.

You couldn't make it up, I was trying to help a boy on the ground that was being kicked and then they all suddenly were on the same side and I was a "fucking cunt fuck off". Okay then.

Intervene.

Full disclosure, there's a memorable occasion on which this ended up in a fractured skull and ribs for me.

I would if I was on my own or with my DH. If I'm being 100% honest I'm not sure what I'd do if 4 yr old DD was with me. I'd be so torn between potentially putting her at risk vs not wanting to see a child being hurt when I could do something about it and wanting DD to see about people doing the right thing and looking out for each other.

I’d have used my very loudest teacher voice, phoning 999 at same time.

I would intervene (if I thought I could safely) and/or phone the police 999 and film it on my phone for evidence.

I couldn't do nothing.

I'd be straight in there unless my baby was in the car but I am a headteacher

I am afraid, I always intervene... I can't help it. Friends tell me not to, but what if it were me or someone related to me? We cannot complain about issues, unless we are prepared to do something about it.

Intervene.

I intervened with a group of 16/17 year olds.... went full Irish mammy on them. That probably wasn't wise.

I'd call the police, I'd not risk my own safety.

I'd intervene. Kids that age might retaliate but they'd be unlikely to have weapons so probably wouldn't do me any serious damage and if it helped a child in trouble I'd be OK with that.

Grown men I wouldn't. Which probably makes me an awful person. I'd get myself somewhere safe and call the police from there.

Another one who’d intervene

I'd send my kids into a shop/garden and yell "What the hell do you think you're doing? The police are on their way!" while filming from a distance.

I think.

I'd definitely intervene, in fact I have done so. I wouldn't walk past a child in distress without trying to help.

I intervened once with a group of late teen boys. They were just beside my house though, and I opened the side gate to shout at them but didn't go out; I could have slammed and bolted it if they'd moved towards me. I did actually call the police but they were gone by the time the car arrived.

I'd prefer to think that if it was one of my kids being picked on, someone would intervene.

This is excellent.