The end of school does not mean the end of bullying.

 Here are some tips from the Second Step Newsletter to help kids prevent bullying.

Summer is a time of freedom for most kids, and for some, that means temporarily forgetting about academic subjects. Who wants to think about multiplication tables while swimming or climbing trees?

But some of the things kids learn in school—like their SECOND STEP and STEPS TO RESPECT lessons

have very practical applications in summertime activities. After all, bullying can happen anywhere at any time. And that means kids don’t have to wait for school to start again to be responsible bystanders.

Define the Problem

Before your kids go off to day camp or a vacation, talk with them about being bystanders to bullying.

First, go over the definition of bystander from the SECOND STEP middle school program: “A bystander is anyone who is aware that bullying is happening.”

Be Part of the Solution

Next, remind them how to be part of the solution as a bystander:

• Don’t take part in bullying.
• Offer support. Be an ally to someone being bullied.
• Take action against bullying.

Then have kids think about their summer plans. Together, brainstorm a few situations during their

planned activities in which they could encounter bullying. Here are some examples to get you started:

• Swimming at the pool or lake
• Riding bikes or walking around the neighborhood
• Visiting a friend or relative in a different city or town
• Going to day camp or sleep-away camp