Keep your Bikini Bottoms on and Be Kind: A Lesson on the Importance of Being Responsible on Social Media

“My dad told me that sexting is illegal when it involves people who are under 18, SpongeBob we are 11!” Pearl texts.

”Pearl, everyone does it, stop being paranoid! We will not get caught” SpongeBob texts, then follows up with, “If you don’t sext me I will dox your information and breakup with you.” SpongeBob increasingly getting annoyed awaits Pearls response.

”SpongeBob, you’re being mean, I do not like this, what even is doxxing?” Pearl questions..

”Doxxing is described as when someone discloses personal information about someone without their consent, do you want that Pearl, send or else?” SpongeBob texts.. Hmm he thinks, I’ll just show her it’s ok and then she’ll do it, SpongeBob says aloud as he snaps a picture of his privates to send to Pearl

Not knowing what to do,Pearl remembers a resource that was shared to her during health class. This resource is called the Kids Helpline. It is a free to call 24/7 open 365 days a year, confidential counseling, and support services for children who need it. Pearl runs to grab the number, quickly punching 1-800-551-800

“Hello, Kid’s Help Line, How can I help you?” An angelfish answers.

“I don’t know what to do! My boyfriend is asking me to send him inappropriate pictures and he sent me one. He said that if I don’t send back, he will leak my personal information and break up with me. I am feeling so depressed, is this normal?” Pearl cries.

“Pearl, it’s going to be ok, you called just the right place…What you’re feeling is normal. Victims of Sexting can be psychologically harmed and could experience ongoing damage to their reputation. Your worries are valid” Ms. Angel says lovingly.

“What you may not know Pearl, is these three important facts. First, most law-enforcement agencies have Cyber Crime units. Second, If a child is viewing images or videos that can be described as child pornography, they can be charged with possession of child pornography as a juvenile. Third, Many services continually monitor for child pornography.” Ms. Angelfish reassuringly tells Pearl.

“You’re right I didn’t know that” Pearl sighs, a sigh of relief.

SpongeBob starts to Spam text Pearl, telling her she was a big fat whale and no one would like her.  Pearl begins to cry on the phone with Ms. Angelfish saying she should have not gotten social media, it’s for adults not children she thinks aloud..

“What’s wrong Pearl? I promise you, you are not the first to get social media, perhaps, before they were ready for the responsibility. According to the US surgeon general nearly 40% of children 8 through 12 use social media apps. Some children just don’t know how to use social media appropriately. Sending pictures of your naked body as a child is not acceptable. Having possession of child pornography, or distributing it by sending pictures of yourself, could lead you in jail.. Pearl, I always want you to remember this fact, bullying or harassment is described by repeated behavior, and an intent to harm, do not let SpongeBob bully and harass you anylonger.” Ms. Angelfish replies wisely

“ Thank you Ms. Angelfish for helping me, my dad says that traces of our digital footprint can be very difficult if not impossible to remove, so I didn’t want to put a picture on the Internet that could get me in trouble.” Pearl says finally cheering up.

”You made The right decision by calling. If you have social media and you ever question, if you were doing some thing that is ethically, legally or safe, call us at the Kids Helping for advice or ask a  trusted adult. When you have a social media account, you have to be able to manage your digital identity and understand that your digital footprint is lasting. Social media is a privilege being a digital citizen and having access to technology is a responsibility you must be ready for.”

”you’re right says Pearl, thank you. I will call back if I ever have any questions” as she quickly blocks SpongeBob and concludes the phone call. Pearl thinks, if someone ever pressures me to do something I don’t want to do again, I always call or tell a trusted adult.