On a recent Sunday morning, my daughter, who is in sixth grade, seemed unusually downcast and distracted. Even her favorite breakfast, a heaping plate of sweet French toast, couldn’t lift her spirits. Her phone, left charging on the counter as per our family phone agreement, buzzed incessantly, drawing her attention away from the table. I could tell something was bothering her.
“What’s going on?” I asked, nodding toward the phone.
“Nothing,” she replied, avoiding eye contact. That response was a clear indication that something was indeed up, but she wasn’t ready to share. So, I let it slide. After finishing her breakfast, she grabbed her phone and exclaimed, “Ugh! Why do Emma and Jake have to post pictures of everything they do? It’s so irritating! I know they’re hanging out without me again, but do they have to flaunt it?”
That’s a valid point. The truth is, they really don’t need to.
Navigating the tricky social dynamics of middle school has always been a challenging experience. With smartphones keeping kids connected around the clock, taking a break from social interactions has become increasingly difficult. According to a 2016 study by Influence Central, half of kids have social media accounts by the time they turn 12, and 64% have internet access via their own devices.
Unfortunately, negative interactions online can have a significant impact on how tweens perceive themselves and their peers. When kids post images with select friends, neglect to tag others, or routinely exclude certain peers from group chats, it can be incredibly isolating for those left out. Middle school is already a tough time, filled with emotional, physical, and academic hurdles. Adding social exclusion into the mix only amplifies the struggles.
This is why April 28 is designated as Call It Out Day. This initiative from Beyond Differences, which also includes programs like No One Eats Alone and Know Your Classmates, aims to empower middle school students to speak up against social isolation they witness online. The curriculum provides strategies to combat digital gossip and exclusion, helping tweens and teens express their authentic selves online.
Seems simple enough, right? Yet, it’s essential to remember that we’re dealing with kids aged 11 to 14, who are just beginning to understand their identities and social dynamics. Peer pressure can be intense during these years, and directives from adults often don’t resonate well. Beyond Differences understands this challenge. Their program equips students with the skills to make compassionate choices online, but ultimately, it’s up to the kids to take action.
As I observed kids taking the #CallItOutDay pledge, I was genuinely moved. It takes immense courage for a young person to stand up against what feels like a majority, even if that majority is largely anonymous. I remember being bullied in middle school and never reporting it—neither to my parents nor to my teachers. Though other kids were aware, they hesitated to speak up, fearing social repercussions. If there had been a curriculum focused on anti-bullying and social inclusion back then, perhaps my experience would have been different.
To date, over 400 schools have joined the #CallItOutDay initiative. If your school hasn’t yet participated, consider signing up—it’s free! Parents can also get involved by reviewing the curriculum, which consists of four lesson plans leading up to Call It Out Day. Even if April 28 isn’t feasible for your school, the materials can be utilized at any time. The goal is for middle schoolers to learn how to shift narratives from negative to positive, exclusionary to inclusive, and unkind to kind. While not everyone will be best friends with one another, all kids can take a stand against inappropriate behavior. Recognizing what constitutes hurtful actions and learning how to alter them is at the heart of Call It Out Day.
For additional information and to get involved, visit CallItOutDay.org.
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In summary, #CallItOutDay is an essential initiative that empowers middle schoolers to promote kindness online, encouraging them to speak up against social isolation and negativity. By providing the right tools and support, we can help shape a more inclusive digital environment for our children.