Bullying is a common concern among administrators, educators, families and students. When schools adopt a bullying prevention approach, they are better able to understand and manage bullying behavior.

The Changemakers Guide to Bullying Prevention prevents a framework for a schoolwide approach, along with lessons for each elementary grade level. In this free download, you’ll find a modified version of one of the lessons: Stop, Speak, Get Help.

The Stop, Speak, Get Help strategy is a structured approach for students to follow when they encounter difficult social situations, including bullying.

Step One: STOP

Students pause and think before reacting impulsively in a challenging or emotional situation. The step aims to engage the prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision-making and problem-solving) while calming the amygdala, which triggers fight, flight, or freeze responses during stress or conflict.

STOP in Action

When a student feels hurt or threatened, they STOP, take a deep breath and ground themselves so that they can focus on the present and avoid reacting out of anger or fear.

Step Two: SPEAK

Students use assertive communication to express their feelings and set boundaries. Speaking up in a respectful yet firm way helps students take control of the situation while advocating for themselves.

SPEAK in Action

After they pause and feel more calm, a student uses an “I statement”, such as “I feel upset when you tease me”, to express their emotions and establish boundaries.

Step Three: GET HELP

If speaking up doesn’t resolve the situation and the bullying or conflict continues, students get help. This step encourages students to seek support from a trusted adult, such as a teacher, school counselor or parent, to address the issue.

GET HELP in Action

If a students boundaries are ignored, they seek out a trusted adult for help knowing that the adult will listen and provide support.

Download this free lesson plan to introduce the Stop, Speak, Get Help method to students.