Texting and Sexting

Gr 7 Up—"Think before you hit send," is the repeated message in this program about the power and impact of words and images teens send via text messaging. Teen actors play out scenarios that lead to problems after sending and receiving text messages or images. The first scenario features a boy and a girl studying in the library when they each receive messages from mutual friends. An inside joke leads to hurt feelings, and the willingness to retort in a mean-spirited way exacerbates the situation. A more damaging rumor is spread in another vignette in which Courtney, jealous of Claudia, texts her friends that Claudia is pregnant. Claudia turns the tables by revealing a confidence about Courtney. In a scenario about sexting, a girl sends a provocative photo of herself to a boy against her friend's advice, and the photo is passed around. "Things Change" speaks to the fleeting nature of teen friendships and viewers are advised to refrain from violating the trust and respect of any relationship. A teen narrator follows up each role play with commentary about the results and consequences of the behavior. The unscripted dialogue may be viewed as exaggerated, but the scenarios are believable and make good class discussion starters.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia Jr. Sr. High School, NY