Program “Steps Together” is a national initiative to prevent bullying and violence in schools, which since 2021 has been supporting school communities in Bulgaria in creating a safer and more supportive environment for children. Implemented by UNICEF Bulgaria in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science, and since 2025 also in partnership with the Parents’ Association and SafeNet.bg, the program works with students, teachers, and parents in a long-term process of change.
The data show that school bullying remains a serious problem that requires a systematic approach and sustainable solutions. That is precisely why the “Steps Together” program focuses on developing children’s social-emotional skills, supporting teachers, and actively involving parents. Through training, mentoring, and working with student “peacemakers,” the initiative promotes open dialogue, the early identification of risky situations, and the development of a culture of mutual respect in schools.
SafeNet.bg is part of the effort to create a safe school environment by supporting schools, teachers, and families in their work to prevent bullying, including in the context of children’s online safety.
What are the program's objectives and timeframe through 2027?
The “Steps Together” program continues to evolve with its second phase, which covers the period 2025–2027 and is implemented by the Parents Association / the National Center for Safe Internet in partnership with UNICEF Bulgaria. At this stage, the focus is on preventing and responding to cases of cyberbullying, improving digital and media literacy among students, parents, and teachers, and promoting safe, responsible, and ethical behavior online. Part of the program’s objectives is also the development and implementation of school policies for digital well-being as part of educational practice.
Phase II includes training sessions for students aged 11 to 18, focused on safe online behavior, dealing with hate speech and fake news, and creating positive digital content. The program also includes the development of the “Cyberscouts” student network, training sessions for parents and teachers on digital literacy and online safety, as well as the training of 40 mentors who will provide methodological support in schools. There are also plans to train school “peacemakers” who are part of the expanded “Cyber Scouts” network, as well as to develop school online safety plans and implement them as part of educational policy. At the beginning of this phase, a preparatory sociological study will be conducted through focus groups with students, parents, teachers, and institutional representatives to identify current challenges in the digital environment.
How the "Steps Together" Program Is Changing the School Environment
The “Steps Together” program works to transform the school environment through a holistic approach that brings together students, teachers, parents, and institutions. According to data from the 2022 PISA international study, about 20% of girls and 24% of boys in Bulgaria report having been victims of bullying at school at least several times a month, highlighting the need for systematic and long-term efforts. The program develops children’s social-emotional skills, teaching them to recognize their own feelings, respond appropriately in difficult situations, and understand the reactions of others. At the same time, teachers receive specific training and support to recognize various forms of bullying, including psychological bullying, which often goes unnoticed. Another key element of the program is working with student “peacemakers” —trained older students who help their peers seek support and assist in resolving conflicts, thereby contributing to a more positive and safe school environment.
The interview “Bullying in School and Violence Against Children: The ‘Steps Together’ Program Is Changing the Environment” shows that change does not come about through one-time actions, but through consistent efforts and a clear stance by the school against violence.
Berkovitsa—A Good Example of Bullying Prevention in Schools
The experience in Berkovitsa demonstrates how the “Steps Together” Program works in practice in a school setting. There, students participate as “peacemakers,” driven by personal motivation and lived experience—including children who have themselves been victims of bullying and want to help others be heard, understood, and accepted. Teachers at the school openly acknowledge that aggression exists in every school and that children today find it harder to regulate their emotions, which makes external support particularly important. As part of the program, the school team works with a mentor who is with them throughout the entire process and whose role is to support, build trust, encourage, and inspire. In Berkovitsa, special attention is also given to the topics of cyberbullying and online safety, with an emphasis on the fact that these issues must be addressed together with the children. The program is implemented under the overall guidance of the Ministry of Education and Science, with the support of private-sector partners, serving as an example of effective collaboration that yields tangible benefits for children.
What has been achieved from 2021 to the present
Since its inception in 2021, the “Steps Together” Program has supported schools in various parts of the country, trained teachers and specialists, and created practical resources for the prevention of bullying and violence. As part of the initiative, educational materials for working with students, guidelines for parents, and tools for developing school policies against violence have been developed.
Useful resources created as part of the “Steps Together” project are available on the UNICEF website.
What's Next and How SafeNet.bg Can Help
The “Steps Together” program continues to evolve, with a focus on expanding its reach and deepening our work with school teams. It is expected that even more schools across the country will receive support to create a safe and supportive environment for children.
For schools, teachers, or parents interested in these topics, SafeNet.bg offers expert support and programs on bullying prevention, online and offline safety, and digital literacy. Our team works with teachers, parents, and students in classrooms and school communities across the country.
