On a recent Sunday morning, my daughter, who is in sixth grade, appeared downcast and preoccupied. Even her favorite breakfast—French toast—failed to lift her spirits. Her phone, charging on the counter, kept buzzing and lighting up, a clear indication that something was happening.
I asked her, “What’s going on?” gesturing toward the phone.
“Nothing,” she mumbled, avoiding eye contact. This response typically signals that there is, in fact, something troubling her, but she wasn’t ready to discuss it. I decided to let it slide. After finishing her meal, she picked up her phone and exclaimed, “Why do Mia and Jenna have to post updates about everything they’re doing? It’s so frustrating! They’re hanging out without me again, do they really have to flaunt it?”
Good point. The answer is no, they certainly don’t.
Navigating the intricate social dynamics of middle school has always been a challenge. With smartphones keeping our children perpetually connected, taking a break from social pressures has become even more difficult. According to a 2016 study by Influence Central, by the age of 12, 50% of children have social media accounts, and 64% have internet access through their own devices.
Negative interactions online can significantly impact how tweens perceive themselves and others. When kids share photos with select friends while leaving others untagged or consistently exclude certain peers from group chats, it can lead to feelings of isolation. Middle school is already fraught with emotional, physical, and academic hurdles; adding social exclusion exacerbates the difficulties.
This is precisely why April 28 is designated as Call It Out Day. This initiative, part of the Positive Prevention Initiative by Beyond Differences, follows programs like No One Eats Alone and Know Your Classmates. Call It Out Day is a free, school-based event aimed at empowering middle school students to address instances of social isolation they witness online. The curriculum equips them with strategies to handle digital gossip and exclusion, encouraging them to present their genuine selves in the online world.
It seems straightforward, but we must remember we’re dealing with kids aged 11 to 14, who are still discovering their identities and social roles. Peer pressure at this age can be overwhelming, and directives from adults often fall flat. Beyond Differences understands this nuance. The brilliance of this program lies in providing students with the tools to make compassionate and positive online choices, while ultimately leaving the decision in their hands.
Watching students take the #CallItOutDay pledge was inspiring. It takes immense courage for a tween to voice opposition against what may seem like a majority opinion, even if that majority is faceless. I remember my own experiences with bullying in middle school; I never spoke up, not to a teacher or even my parents. Other students were aware but feared their own social standing would be jeopardized if they sought help. Had there been programs addressing bullying or social exclusion, perhaps my own experiences would have been less painful or even prevented.
So far, over 400 schools have joined the #CallItOutDay movement. Check if your school is participating; if not, signing up is free. Parents can also engage with the initiative and review the curriculum. There are four lesson plans leading up to Call It Out Day.
If April 28 isn’t feasible for your school, the curriculum can be integrated at any time. The ultimate goal is for our middle schoolers to transform negative stories into positive narratives, moving from exclusion to inclusion and from cruelty to kindness. While not every student will become best friends, they can all learn to stand against harmful behavior when they see it. Recognizing what constitutes harmful behavior, understanding its impact, and learning how to shift the narrative is what Call It Out Day advocates.
For more details and to participate, visit CallItOutDay.org. To further explore related topics, you can also check out this resource on intrauterine insemination here.
In summary, Call It Out Day is an essential initiative that encourages kids to be kind online, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment in schools. By empowering them to recognize and address social isolation, we can help create a more compassionate digital space for our youth.