Illinois schools are implementing comprehensive updates to their cyberbullying policies following state legislation passed last July that classified AI-generated deepfakes as a form of cyberbullying. Schools were required to revise their policies by July 1 to address the creation and distribution of nonconsensual deepfake content, establish appropriate disciplinary measures, and educate students about potential harms.
School administrators across the state have noted a significant increase in AI misuse among students, particularly the creation of sexually explicit videos and images of classmates without consent. The absence of clear guidelines and preventative measures has left schools struggling to support affected students and establish consistent consequences for perpetrators. Educational leaders emphasized that the new legislation provides a necessary framework to address an emerging problem, helping to eliminate ambiguity about whether existing cyberbullying laws apply to AI-generated content.
Policy experts stressed that updated regulations must extend beyond establishing consequences to include support protocols for students impacted by deepfakes. The Center for Democracy and Technology recommended that schools clearly identify reporting procedures and train staff on appropriate responses. A 2024 survey found that 40 percent of public school students were aware of a deepfake involving someone at their school, with 15 percent aware of sexually explicit deepfakes.
School leaders have taken varied approaches to implementation. Some administrators have added specific terminology like “artificial intelligence” and “likeness” to their policies, while others incorporated the concepts through broader language addressing cyberbullying and inappropriate technology use. Schools are integrating education about deepfakes into student safety meetings, digital citizenship lessons, and parent orientation sessions. Several districts have partnered with school resource officers to discuss the legal consequences of creating and distributing such content alongside other serious behavioral topics.
Administrators emphasized the importance of community collaboration, noting that prevention requires coordination between school staff, parents, and students. Educational initiatives focus on fostering responsible digital citizenship while encouraging students to report concerning content and supporting those affected by nonconsensual deepfakes.
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