At Licking Heights Local Schools, our school counselors implement the Second Step Bullying Prevention Unit through a series of age-appropriate classroom lessons designed to promote safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environments. The program helps students recognize bullying behaviors, develop empathy, respond safely and confidently to challenging situations, support peers, and contribute to a positive school climate. Through these lessons, students build the social-emotional skills necessary to foster healthy relationships and make responsible decisions both in and out of school.

In the elementary grades, students learn foundational social-emotional skills that help prevent bullying before it starts. Lessons focus on:

—Recognizing the difference between respectful behavior, conflict, and bullying.

—Identifying feelings in themselves and others.

—Developing empathy and perspective-taking skills.

—Practicing assertive communication and confidence-building strategies.

—Learning how to seek help from trusted adults when needed.

—Understanding the important role bystanders play in preventing bullying.

Through interactive discussions, role-playing, and skill practice, students learn how to stand up safely, include others, and contribute to a caring school community.

As students enter adolescence, bullying prevention instruction expands to address increasingly complex social situations, including peer pressure, social exclusion, and digital interactions. Lessons focus on:

—Understanding the characteristics and impact of bullying behavior.

—Developing strategies for responding assertively and safely.

—Strengthening communication and conflict-resolution skills.

—Recognizing the influence of peer groups and social dynamics.

—Practicing ways to support peers who may be targeted.

—Exploring responsible online behavior and digital citizenship.

Students learn how their actions can influence school culture and are encouraged to take an active role in fostering respectful relationships.

At the high school level, bullying prevention is integrated into broader social-emotional learning and school climate initiatives. Instruction focuses on:

—Understanding the long-term effects of bullying, harassment, and exclusion.

—Building healthy relationship skills and respectful communication.

—Developing leadership and advocacy skills.

—Recognizing bias, discrimination, and behaviors that contribute to harmful environments.

—Promoting positive peer influence and responsible decision-making.

—Encouraging students to seek help and support others when concerns arise.

Students are challenged to think critically about their role in creating a safe and welcoming school environment and to demonstrate leadership in promoting kindness, respect, and inclusion.

Through the Second Step Bullying Prevention Unit, students develop skills that help them:

—Build positive relationships.

—Demonstrate empathy and respect for others.

—Respond appropriately to bullying situations.

—Seek help when needed.

—Support peers in safe and effective ways.

—Contribute to a positive school culture where all students feel valued and respected.

These lessons are delivered by school counselors throughout the school year and are designed to support students' social, emotional, and behavioral development at each grade level.

Licking Heights Local Schools remains committed to providing students with the tools and support necessary to foster safe learning environments where every student can thrive.

Licking Heights Local Schools values strong partnerships with families and believes that transparency is an important part of the educational process. Parents and guardians are always welcome to review the Second Step curriculum and instructional materials. Families interested in reviewing curriculum resources may arrange a time to meet with staff at their child's school building.

Questions regarding the Second Step program, social-emotional learning, or bullying prevention curriculum may also be directed to:

We encourage families to reach out with questions, concerns, or requests for additional information as we work together to support the academic, social, and emotional well-being of all students.