Implement bystander interventions
In this context, bystander intervention programs offered by campuses are designed to increase a student’s capacity and willingness to intervene when another student may be in danger of harming him/herself or another person due to alcohol use. Bystander intervention programs also are used to reduce consequences of drug use, sexual assault, and other problems. NOTE: This strategy does not seek to reduce alcohol availability, one of the most effective ways to decrease alcohol use and its consequences.
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Effectiveness: X = Too few robust studies to rate effectiveness—or mixed results
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Cost: $$ = Mid-range
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Research Amount: * = 3 or fewer studies
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Public Health Reach: Focused
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Staffing Expertise Needed: Coordinator
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Target Population: All students
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Research Population: College
Effectiveness ratings are based on estimated success in achieving targeted outcomes. Cost ratings are based on a consensus among research team members of the relative program and staff costs for adoption, implementation, and maintenance of a strategy. Actual costs will vary by institution, depending on size, existing programs, and other campus and community factors. Barriers to implementing a strategy include cost and opposition, among other factors. Public health reach refers to the number of students that a strategy affects. Strategies with a broad reach affect all students or a large group of students (e.g., all underage students); strategies with a focused reach affect individuals or small groups of students (e.g., sanctioned students). Research amount/quality refers to the number and design of studies.
References from 2019 update
Silver, B.R.; and Jakeman, R.C. College students' willingness to engage in bystander intervention at off-campus parties. Journal of College Student Development 57(4):472–476, 2016.
Resources identified only for strategies rated effective.
