The strategy that works best when you’re unsure what to do in a potentially harmful situation is delegate —getting help from someone better equipped, like security, staff, a supervisor, or emergency services.

Quick Scoop Answer

When you’re not sure how to safely step in, the safest and most effective move is to involve someone with authority or training rather than trying to handle it all yourself. This is what “delegate” means in bystander- intervention models.

If you’re thinking “This looks bad, but I don’t know what to do,” that is your cue to delegate.

Why “delegate” is the best choice

  • You reduce risk to yourself and others by not jumping into a situation you don’t understand.
  • You bring in people who may have training (teachers, RA, security, managers, police, hotline counselors).
  • You still help; you’re not “doing nothing,” you’re choosing the safest form of action.

In many campus safety and violence-prevention trainings, delegate is the recommended option when you’re unsure, scared, or out of your depth.

Simple steps to delegate in real life

  1. Scan for safe helpers
    • Staff (bartender, bouncer, teacher, RA, bus driver).
    • Friends, trusted adults, or co‑workers in the area.
  2. Briefly describe what you see
    • “I think something’s wrong over there; that person looks really uncomfortable.”
    • “I’m worried this could turn into a fight.”
  3. Be specific in your ask
    • “Can you check on them?”
    • “Can you call security?”
    • “Can you stay with me while we call for help?”
  4. Use emergency services when needed
    • If you sense immediate danger (weapons, serious threats, someone unconscious): call emergency services right away and follow their instructions.

How “delegate” fits with other options

Strategy| What it means (simple)| When it’s best
---|---|---
Distract| Change the subject or break the tension| Mild tension, you feel safe and confident
Direct| Confront or clearly step in| You’re trained, sure, and it’s safe to do so
Deactivate| Remove access to the harmful thing (if possible)| Very specific, controlled situations only
Delegate| Get help from someone better placed to act| You’re unsure, feel unsafe, or it’s serious

When training materials explicitly ask this exact question, delegate is given as the correct answer for “when you’re unsure what to do.”

If this feels serious or personal

If your question comes from something happening around you right now that feels dangerous (violence, threats, self‑harm, or abuse), reach out immediately to:

  • Local emergency services, if anyone is in immediate danger.
  • A trusted adult, supervisor, or security person nearby.
  • A crisis hotline in your country if someone might hurt themselves or is being hurt.

You never have to handle a potentially harmful situation alone—asking for help (delegating)is taking action.

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Wondering which strategy for defusing potentially harmful situations works best when you’re unsure of what to do? Learn why “delegate” is the safest, most effective choice, plus simple real‑life examples.

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