The Step Up to Kindness program is an anti-bullying club for students that combines social-emotional learning and fun activities. The program is based on an evidence-based curriculum called Second Step. Each session focuses on a specific topic such as dealing with peer pressure, seeking help from adults, accepting differences, and taking other’s perspectives. The program includes several lessons specific to bullying prevention. In these lessons, students learn how to “recognize, report, and refuse” bullying, and about bystander power and responsibility.

The program is implemented by JFCS masters-level clinicians and masters-level interns. At the end of each semester, we host a family night to celebrate the students’ success. For these family nights, we bring in a catered meal and allow the students to teach their caregivers what they have learned and engage in a fun activity together.