Illinois schools are required to update policies as the state incorporated AI deepfakes into its cyberbullying framework. The change comes after a bill amended school regulations to treat the generation and distribution of AI deepfakes without consent as a form of cyberbullying. Districts must update cyberbullying policies, establish disciplinary measures, and educate students and parents about consequences. Reporting highlights a “Cambrian explosion” of misuse, including sexually explicit deepfakes created with free apps. School leaders said the updated framework clarifies how existing cyberbullying rules apply to deepfake incidents and supports consistent reporting protocols. The policy focus is likely to expand into other states as AI-generated content becomes easier to produce and harder to attribute. For higher education, the development may foreshadow demand for student affairs training on AI-enabled misconduct and trauma-informed response practices in learning environments.