STEP Up Female Bullying Program
Why
The STEP Up female bullying prevention program was created in response to the many calls we received from numerous parents, teachers, and students regarding the need for a way to deal with the acts of aggression and peer abuse among middle school females.
Objective
Program objectives are to build leadership skills, increase knowledge of conflict resolution strategies, and to increase knowledge of strategies that prevent peer abuse and bullying among participants. The mission of the program, as set by an advisory council of middle and high school female students, is to join together using our power to identify unjust treatment and step up to the challenge of supporting other females by treating them fairly and respectfully. An independent evaluation of the program has shown that the STEP Up program is successful in obtaining these objectives.
Program Design
STEP Up consists of eight sessions designed to empower females to develop and practice strategies that reduce bullying in their environment. This compelling tool is effective wherever middle school age girls come together - schools, camps, after-school programs, and community centers.
Addressing issues such as gossip, cliques, conflict resolution, cyber-bullying, body image, role models and peer pressure helps girls think about their actions and the actions of their peers in the context of societal expectations. Group activities, discussions, and homework assignments facilitate participants opening up and trusting one another. They learn the difference between healthy and unhealthy friendships, and ways to support their peers. The program relies on the use of positive adult role models and their interaction with program participants.
Materials
The program is implemented via the STEP Up Faciliator’s Guide, an easy to use curriculum that includes program delivery, discussion of issues and bibliography for those interested in learning more about female bullying and its effects.
The STEP Up Student Journal contains poems, stories, and quotes from earlier participants. Participants use their personal copy to take notes, share their opinions, and do homework assignments.