Abstract

This study examined the effects of group and perceived norms on bystanding and defending behaviors among early adolescents. Longitudinal data from 890 elementary school students nested within 34 classrooms (52% male) were collected at the start (Wave 1) and the end (Wave 2) of the school semester. The results with the multi-level models indicated that both group and perceived norms on anti-bullying at Wave 1 significantly predicted bystanding and defending behaviors at Wave 2, after controlling for age, gender, and the baseline behaviors at Wave 1. The agreement between the group and perceived norms on anti-bullying varied by classrooms, and anti-bullying group norms at Wave 1 moderated the effects of individuals’ empathy on defending behavior, and the effects of self-efficacy for defending on bystanding behavior at Wave 2. The results suggest that the interventions focusing on perceived norms could be effective in decreasing bullying and increasing by-standing behaviors.