Overview
Javier sees a group chat where classmates are mocking a new student with edited photos. Reporting the post could stop the harm but might make Javier a target. Staying silent means no one gets in trouble, but the bullying continues.
The Choice
Should Javier report the cyberbullying post or stay out of it?
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 7.2772826086956535
- Word Count
- 368 words
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
The Dilemma
Javier is scrolling through a group chat after school when he sees something that makes his stomach drop. Several classmates have been sharing edited photos of Lina, a student who just transferred to their school. The photos are mean-spirited, adding cruel captions making fun of her accent and clothes. Some kids are adding laughing emojis. Others are piling on with more jokes. Javier barely knows Lina, but he can see the posts are hurtful. He thinks about reporting it to the school counselor, but he is worried. The kids in the chat are popular, and if they find out he reported them, he could become their next target. Part of him thinks it is not his problem since the posts are not about him.
Values in Tension
This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:
Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.
Your Options
Stay out of it to protect himself from becoming a target.
Report the post to stop the harm being done to the new student.
Questions for Reflection
Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers – the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.
- 1
Does the fact that Javier is not the target change his responsibility?
- 2
What harm is being done to Lina, even if she has not seen the posts yet?
- 3
How does Mill's idea that inaction can enable harm apply here?
- 4
What are the risks and benefits of reporting versus staying silent?
- 5
Have you ever witnessed something online that you knew was wrong? What did you do, or wish you had done?
Did you like this dilemma?
Philosophical Perspective
Insights from John Stuart Mill
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.