Quick check · For school counselors and student support

Six questions on what matters most. Pick an answer, then choose “Check my answer.” Nothing is recorded.

1. A student tells you classmates are posting cruel messages about her in a group chat, and asks you to keep it secret. What do you say?“Of course, I won’t tell anyone.”“Thank you for telling me. I can’t keep this secret, but I’ll explain who I need to tell and why.”“Just delete the app and it will stop.”

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Answer: “Thank you for telling me. I can’t keep this secret, but I’ll explain who I need to tell and why.” Thank them, check they’re safe, and be honest about who you’ll tell. Don’t ask them to delete anything; the messages are evidence.

2. A student shows you a nude image of a classmate on their phone. Should you take a screenshot as evidence?Yes, so the school has proof.No. Never save, forward or copy it. Describe it in writing and report it right away.

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Answer: No. Never save, forward or copy it. Describe it in writing and report it right away. Saving or sharing a sexual image of a minor can itself be a crime, even with good intentions. Describe it instead and pass the report on the same day.

3. Which of these needs action the same day?A rude comment under a student’s postSomeone demanding money or more photos from a studentA student unhappy about being left out of a game chat

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Answer: Someone demanding money or more photos from a student Sextortion is urgent. So are shared or fake sexual images and threats of violence.

4. A tenth grader says someone online is threatening to share his photo unless he pays. What’s the first thing to tell him?“You shouldn’t have sent it.”“This is not your fault and you’re not in trouble. Don’t pay or send anything more.”“Block them and forget about it.”

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Answer: “This is not your fault and you’re not in trouble. Don’t pay or send anything more.” Reassure him first. Then keep the messages and report to the FBI and the NCMEC CyberTipline today.

5. A fake, AI-made nude image of a real student is going around. Does the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act cover it?No, it only covers real photos.Yes. Fake intimate images of real people are covered too.

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Answer: Yes. Fake intimate images of real people are covered too. The TAKE IT DOWN Act (2025) covers real and fake intimate images, and platforms must remove them within 48 hours of a valid request.

6. How many U.S. states, counting Washington, D.C., have bullying laws that cover cyberbullying?About half49 of 51None; it’s only federal law

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Answer: 49 of 51 Every state requires a school bullying policy, and 49 of 51 cover cyberbullying. Look up your own state in Lantern.