"Second Step" is a curriculum designed to reduce impulsive and aggressive behavior in children in grades 6 through 8, increasing their levels of social competence through empathy training, interpersonal cognitive problem solving, behavioral social skill training, and anger management. This guide is part of the "Second Step" series, which includes curricula for preschool/kindergarten and grades 1-3 and 4-5. It is a companion to a personal safety curriculum that teaches children not to be victims, and takes a "second step" in primary prevention by teaching children not to become victimizers. Because it targets skill deficits that put children at risk for violence, substance abuse, suicide, and dropping out of school, Second Step can be adopted as a basic skills curriculum for prevention education. The curriculum contains four units, one each on understanding the problem, training for empathy, creating options, and applying skills with components on similarities and differences among people and accepting differences. Modeling and role playing are key elements, and model role plays are presented in a demonstration video, "Check It Out!" Take-home letters are included to inform parents about class activities. An evaluation instrument, a list of 21 resources for teachers and parents, and 15 transparencies are included. (Contains 52 references.) (SLD)