Background:

Bullying at school is a worldwide phenomenon. Observers are central to understanding the phenomenon and developing preventive actions.

Objective:

To know the experience of students identified as witnesses of bullying situations.

Methodology:

Qualitative and exploratory study developed in a Brazilian school, in the light of the social cognitive theory. Twenty students aged between 13 and 18 years participated. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Thematic analysis was applied to the data.

Results:

The prevalence rate of students who observed bullying was 64%. Participants have good knowledge about bullying, assess aggressive behavior as negative or harmful, but this understanding does not translate into a sense of self-efficacy and actions to help victims. A thematic category was built - Taking action, reinforcing and feeling - “What was also motivating the aggressor to do this is the audience”.

Conclusion:

The students’ experience is marked by individual, school and contextual issues. Implications for primary health care are spelled out.

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