A Safe World

Once upon a time, there was a girl who grew up in a calm, protected world. She knew no stress, no rush, and certainly no internet. Her world felt safe, simple, and warm.But when her family moved, she had to attend a new school. There, every girl had a smartphone. She had never had one before. Her parents eventually gave her one mainly so she could call if needed. She thought calling was all a phone could do. But the other girls laughed and said, “You can do so much more!” They showed her apps like TikTok, Instagram, BeReal, and Snapchat. “This is how you show what you’re doing, post pretty selfies, and talk to cute boys.” Curious, she joined in. She posted photos, got likes, messages, and comments. It felt like she was finally part of something.
Then, she received a private message from a handsome boy. He said sweet things, gave her compliments, and started asking for pictures. At first, just normal ones. Then… less normal. She felt flattered, but confused. Until his tone suddenly changed. He became pushy, controlling. Something didn’t feel right.In the end, it turned out he wasn’t a boy at all, but an adult man pretending to be someone her age. Her once-safe world felt so far away.
What had seemed exciting and fun had turned dark and dangerous. She longed for the time when she could just be a child without filters, pressure, or fear.“ I wish I never got that phone,” she whispered. “I used to know everything about my world. Now I know things I wish I didn’t.”

Food for Thought

"Not everything you can unlock is safe."Think before you open, click, or trust.

“A connected world isn't always a protected one. Wisdom is the strongest password.”