Problem Protocol Cards
Problem Protocol
Situational Assessment // Grade 6-9
Page 01
Protocol 01
The Lag Spike
You're in a high-stakes competitive match online. Right as you're about to make a move, your internet lags, and you lose the round. Your teammates start complaining in the chat.
Minor Moderate Critical
Briefing:
This is a minor problem. It's frustrating, but it's just a game. Step away for five minutes, breathe, and reset. Do not engage with toxic chat.
Protocol 02
Locker Lockout
You get to school and realize you left your house keys—which have your gym locker key on them—at home. You have PE first period and need your gear.
Minor Moderate Critical
Briefing:
This is a moderate problem. It requires adult assistance. Check in with the PE teacher immediately or go to the front office to call home.
Protocol 03
The Excluded Chat
You find out your core group of friends started a new group chat and didn't include you. You see them laughing at a meme from that chat during lunch.
Minor Moderate Critical
Briefing:
Social exclusion is a moderate problem. It hurts, but doesn't mean the friendship is over. Choose a calm moment to ask a friend about it directly.
Protocol 04
Short Circuit
You accidentally knock your energy drink over while working on your laptop. The screen flickers, turns green, and then goes completely black.
Minor Moderate Critical
Briefing:
This is a moderate-to-high problem because of the cost and lost work. Unplug it immediately. Tell an adult so they can help you assess the damage.
Problem Protocol
Situational Assessment // Grade 6-9
Page 02
Protocol 05
The Ghost Partner
It's the night before a huge group project is due. Your partner, who was supposed to do the entire second half, isn't responding to texts or calls.
Minor Moderate Critical
Briefing:
Moderate problem. Do what you can tonight, but don't panic. Send an email to the teacher tonight explaining the situation to document it.
Protocol 06
Zero Percent
You're at a football game across town. You need to call your ride to pick you up in 10 minutes, but your phone battery dies as you're searching for their number.
Minor Moderate Critical
Briefing:
This is a moderate safety problem. Find an official stadium employee or a friend's parent immediately. Ask to use a phone to call your ride.
Protocol 07
The Viral Threat
You see a post on social media where a group of kids at your school are making fun of another student's appearance and threatening to "jump" them after school.
Minor Moderate Critical
Briefing:
This is a critical problem. Physical safety is at risk. Screenshot the post and show it to a counselor or administrator immediately. Do not comment on it.
Protocol 08
The Flashpoint
A heated argument in the hallway suddenly turns physical. Punches are being thrown and a large crowd is gathering to record it on their phones.
Minor Moderate Critical
Briefing:
Critical problem. Your safety is first. Move away from the crowd to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. Find the nearest teacher or security officer.
Problem Protocol
Situational Assessment // Grade 6-9
Page 03
Protocol 09
The Red Line
You're at the mall with a friend. They pull a small item off a shelf, put it in their hoodie pocket, and start walking toward the exit. They tell you to "act normal."
Minor Moderate Critical
Briefing:
Critical problem. You are now legally at risk. Distance yourself immediately. Tell them you're going to a different store and leave the area.
Protocol 10
The Bench Warmer
You worked hard all off-season for the basketball team. During the first big game, the coach doesn't play you for a single minute. You feel embarrassed in front of your family.
Minor Moderate Critical
Briefing:
This is a minor-to-moderate emotional problem. Keep your head up. Support your teammates. Schedule a meeting with the coach later to ask for feedback.
Key
Protocol Guidelines
Minor
Handled solo or with a cool-down. No long-term impact on safety or success.
Moderate
Requires adult intervention, coordination, or formal conversation to resolve.
Critical
Threat to physical safety, legal standing, or emotional health. Get adult help now.
