On a recent Sunday morning, I observed my sixth-grade daughter, Emma, looking downcast and preoccupied. Even her favorite breakfast of fluffy pancakes failed to lift her spirits. Her phone, adhering to our agreed-upon phone policy by staying on the counter, buzzed repeatedly, drawing her attention. Something was certainly troubling her.
“What’s going on?” I inquired, nodding towards the phone.
“Nothing,” she replied, avoiding eye contact. This evasive response hinted that there was indeed something she wished to keep to herself. Eventually, she finished her meal and reached for her device.
“Ugh! Why do Mia and Jake have to post updates every couple of minutes? It’s incredibly irritating! I understand they’re hanging out without me again, but do they have to flaunt it?”
Her frustration was palpable, and rightly so. The pressures of middle school social dynamics have always been challenging, but the omnipresence of smartphones complicates matters further. A 2016 study by Influence Central revealed that by the age of 12, 50% of children have social media accounts, while 64% access the internet through personal devices.
Negative interactions online can significantly impact how tweens perceive themselves and others. Instances where kids post pictures with select friends while excluding others can lead to feelings of isolation for those left out. With all the emotional and academic hurdles of middle school, the added burden of social exclusion only amplifies the difficulty.
This is why April 28 is designated as Call It Out Day. An initiative by Beyond Differences, this event is the third in a series aimed at promoting inclusivity among middle schoolers, following No One Eats Alone and Know Your Classmates. Call It Out Day provides a free, in-school program focused on empowering students to address instances of online social isolation. The curriculum equips tweens and teens with strategies to counteract digital gossip and exclusion, encouraging them to express their authentic selves online.
Despite the straightforward premise, engaging young adolescents—who are grappling with self-identity and peer acceptance—is no small feat. At this age, peer influence is potent; directives from parents and teachers often fall on deaf ears. Recognizing this challenge, Beyond Differences has crafted a program that empowers students to make compassionate and positive choices in their online interactions.
Witnessing students take the #CallItOutDay pledge was truly inspiring. The courage it takes for a tween to stand up against perceived social norms, even when those norms are largely anonymous, is commendable. Reflecting on my own experiences, I recall enduring bullying in middle school without reaching out for help. Had there been a program like this in place, perhaps my own distress would have been alleviated sooner.
To date, over 400 schools have committed to participating in the #CallItOutDay initiative. If your school is not yet involved, consider signing up—it’s free! Parents are encouraged to join the effort and review the available curriculum, which includes four lesson plans leading up to the event.
Even if April 28 isn’t feasible for your school, the curriculum can be implemented at any time. The aim is to help middle schoolers transition from negative to positive narratives, from exclusivity to inclusiveness, and from cruelty to kindness. While not every student will become best friends with one another, all can take a stand against negative behavior when they witness it. Understanding the impact of such behavior and knowing how to respond is at the core of Call It Out Day.
For additional information and to participate, visit CallItOutDay.org.
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In summary, #CallItOutDay serves as a vital initiative to foster kindness and inclusivity among middle school students in the face of digital challenges. By equipping them with the tools to confront social isolation and promote positive online interactions, we can help them navigate these tumultuous years with greater resilience.
Keyphrase: #CallItOutDay
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