Cyberstalking facts for kids

Cyberstalking is when someone uses the Internet to follow or bother another person in a scary way. It's like stalking, but it happens online. Cyberstalking is against the law in many places.

What is Cyberstalking?

Cyberstalking is a serious problem where someone uses computers, phones, or the internet to scare or upset another person. It's not just a one-time thing; it usually happens over and over again. The goal of a cyberstalker is often to control or scare the person they are targeting.

Understanding Stalking First

Before we talk about cyberstalking, let's understand regular stalking. Stalking is when someone follows or watches another person in a way that makes them feel unsafe or hunted. It's not just one event, but a series of actions that make the person feel threatened or scared. The person doing this is called a stalker. They might do it because they want to be part of that person's life, or because they want to have power over them. This can make the person being stalked feel very upset and afraid.

How Cyberstalking Works

Cyberstalking happens when a stalker uses the internet to contact or follow someone. They might send mean messages directly to the person. They could also spread lies or rumors about them to other people online.

What Cyberstalkers Do

Sometimes, cyberstalkers use the internet to find out a lot about their target. They might look for their home address, phone number, where they go to school or work, or even their photos. They can then use this information to continue stalking them online or even try to cause them harm in real life. This can make the person feel very unsafe, even when they are at home.

How Victims Might Feel

When someone is cyberstalked, they might feel different things. Some people might feel like they have more control because they can just delete messages or turn off their computer. But others might feel very helpless, especially if they don't know who the cyberstalker is. It can be a very scary and confusing experience.

Staying Safe Online

If you ever feel like someone is cyberstalking you, it's important to tell a trusted adult right away. This could be a parent, guardian, teacher, or school counselor. They can help you figure out what to do next.

Here are some tips to help stay safe online:

• Be careful what you share: Think twice before posting personal details like your address, phone number, or daily routines.
• Use strong privacy settings: Make sure your social media accounts and other online profiles are set to private. This means only friends or people you approve can see your information.
• Don't open unknown messages: Be careful about messages from people you don't know or that look suspicious.
• Block and report: If someone is bothering you online, you can often block them and report their behavior to the website or app.
• Save evidence: If someone is cyberstalking you, save screenshots of messages or posts. This can be helpful if you need to show an adult what's happening.

Remember

Cyberstalking is a serious issue, but there are ways to protect yourself and get help. Always remember that your safety and well-being online are very important.