STEPS to Being anActive Bystander

• A copy of the STEPS poster

Introduce the acronym STEPS: 

Step Up – Speak up in the moment by leaving a supportive comment or message.
Tell an Adult – Report the situation to a trusted adult, platform moderator, or the Police.
Explain It – *Take note of what has happened so you can describe any reoccurring behaviour.
Pull Attention Away – Redirect the conversation or post something positive to change the focus.
Support Later – Privately check in with the person to offer support after the incident.

Explain that this is a simple guide to help them remember what to do if they see a situation online where they could step in as an active bystander. 

Step Up:
What impact can leaving a supportive comment have on someone experiencing harmful behavior online? Why might this be effective?

Tell an Adult:
When should you report online issues to a trusted adult or police? What might stop someone from doing it?

Explain It:
How can keeping a record of harmful online behavior help in addressing recurring issues? What details should you note down?

Pull Attention Away:
How can redirecting a conversation or posting something positive defuse a harmful situation online? What are some examples of how to do this effectively?

Support Later:
Why is it important to check in privately with a friend after an incident? How can this follow-up support their mental health?