Parents' Guide to Bystander Revolution

Website http://www.bystanderrevolution.org/
Bystander Revolution Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Erin Brereton By Erin Brereton , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Anti-bullying site is noble, limited by YouTube reliance.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

See all

Privacy Rating Warning

  • Unclear whether data are sold or rented to third parties.
  • Unclear whether data are shared for third-party advertising and/or marketing.
  • Data are collected by third-party advertising or tracking services.
  • Unclear whether this product uses data to track and target advertisements on other third-party websites or services.
Learn more about our privacy ratings

What's It About?

Launched in April 2014 by author MacKenzie Bezos, wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, BYSTANDER REVOLUTION has content that includes more than 100 one- to two-minute videos. Musicians such as Jason Mraz and celebrities such as actor Ansel Elgort share personal experiences and suggestions on preventing bullying. Kids can search by topic, such as body image or cyberbullying. They can also access written tips from parents, teens, and organizations such as GLAAD, check out weekly action ideas, and read discussion questions that tie into a video series.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

Bystander Revolution has a noble objective: offer kids who are being bullied -- or who are witnessing kids being bullied -- emotional support and advice on turning the situation around. The site offers a pretty safe experience; kids can't interact or post comments about the clips from celebrities and teens.

In 2016, Bystander Revolution also incorporated more diverse content instead of only video -- including written tips on preventing and dealing with bullying -- which helps convey the site's message and makes the overall experience more engaging. Bystander Revolution deserves some kudos for its work; kids who spend even a little time on the site are likely to walk away feeing empowered and supported -- which is a really good thing.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how people at school and in the media can influence your child's self-image. Why is it so hard to fight negative imagery when it's constantly being presented to you?

  • Talk about how your child defines bullying. How can your child handle similar situations if they arise at school or other locations?

  • Talk about language that could be construed as mean or hurtful. Have you ever heard that kind of talk at school?

Website Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

Bystander Revolution Poster Image

You May Also Like...

See all

Stop Cyberbullying Online

See all

Books About Bullying

See all recommended website lists

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate