Resource Library

According to the most recent federal statistics, over half a million children are victims of child abuse and neglect each year (ACF, 2013). Experiencing child abuse and neglect is often associated with negative effects on children’s social functioning (Kim & Cicchetti, 2010; Shields, Cicchetti, & Ryan, 1994), emotional functioning (Broman-Fulks et al., 2007; Kilpatrick et al., 2003; KimSpoon, Cicchetti, & Rogosch, 2013; Molnar, Buka, & Kessler, 2001), physical well-being (Alink, Cicchetti, Kim, & Rogosch, 2012), and academic achievement (Eckenrode, Laird, & Doris, 1993; Rowe & Eckenrode, 1999; Shonk & Cicchetti, 2001). The Second Step Child Protection Unit, combined with Second Step Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), provides a comprehensive approach to help children feel safe and supported. The Second Step Child Protection Unit includes training and resources for administrators, program directors, and staff who work with children; classroom lessons and activities for children; and resources for families. This review will explain how the Child Protection Unit translates the research on child maltreatment (abuse and/or neglect) into these multiple program components, which build on the foundation of Second Step SEL to give schools and youth programs the tools they need to help children stay safe.

Experiences during the early school years lay the foundation for ongoing peer relationships, and for too many children, this can include a pattern of being bullied (Hanish, Ryan, Martin, & Fabes, 2005). The Second Step Bullying Prevention Unit, combined with Second Step Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), empowers schools to engage in comprehensive research-based bullying prevention, starting in kindergarten. The Second Step Bullying Prevention Unit includes training and resources for school staff; classroom lessons, games, and activities; and Home Link materials for families. This review will explain how the Bullying Prevention Unit translates the research on bullying prevention into these multiple program components, which build on the foundation of Second Step SEL to give schools the tools they need to prevent bullying.

Second Step Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) for Kindergarten through Grade 5 is a universal, classroom-based program designed to increase students’ school success and decrease problem behaviors by promoting social-emotional competence and selfregulation. It teaches skills that strengthen students’ ability to learn, have empathy, manage emotions, and solve problems. Second Step SEL targets key risk and protective factors linked to a range of problem behaviors. Equipping students with Second Step skills helps a school create a safer, more respectful learning environment that promotes school success for all

Second Step SEL for Early Learning is a universal, classroom-based program designed to increase children’s school readiness and social success by building socialemotional competence and self-regulation skills. This is a review of the research that supports the overall design and content of the program.

In schools that implemented Second Step programs, students across all grade levels showed measurable gains in social-emotional skills. These schoolwide improvements demonstrate that a comprehensive, coordinated approach to human skills instruction can positively affect an entire school community.

A meta-analysis of 44 school-based anti-bullying programs found that programs incorporating SEL components—such as teaching empathy, emotion regulation, and social problem-solving skills—were significantly more effective at reducing bullying and victimization than programs that relied solely on discipline-based approaches.

A groundbreaking 19-year longitudinal study found that social competence measured in kindergarten significantly predicted outcomes in education, employment, criminal activity, substance use, and mental health by age 25. For every one-point increase in social competence, students were significantly more likely to be employed and less likely to be arrested.

A cost-benefit analysis of six evidence-based SEL programs found that, on average, every dollar invested returned $11 in long-term benefits, including reductions in criminal behavior, substance abuse, and other negative outcomes. This makes SEL one of the most cost-effective educational investments available.