Cyberstalking can feel overwhelming and invasive — but you’re not alone.

This page explains what this behaviour looks like, how to recognise the warning signs, and what steps to take if you or someone you know is being targeted. Whether you’re a young person or a concerned parent, we’re here to help you stay safe online.

What is Cyberstalking?

Cyberstalking happens when online harassment escalates into something persistent and targeted. It’s obsessive. These online stalkers  monitor, follow, and harass their victims across multiple platforms—social media, chatrooms, email, text. They don’t stop.

They may spread personal information, track a victim’s movements using location data, or try to control and frighten through threats, impersonation, or blackmail. Good  advice includes blocking the stalker, keeping all records, and talking to trusted adults

Online Stalking in the UK

It is a growing issue in the UK. Every day, young people face threats, manipulation, and fear from digital stalkers who refuse to leave them alone.

Cyberstalking is a crime. If it happens, report it.

Quick Stats on Cyberstalking: Online Abuse in the UK

A recent UK survey by Statista reported:

That’s one in three reporting they’ve been stalked online.

What Do Cyberstalkers Do?

• Track victims through online activity
• Share private or false information
• Impersonate or catfish
• Send repeated, unwanted messages
• Blackmail using personal data or images
• Try to control or manipulate behaviour
• Harass on multiple platforms at once

Who’s Targeted by Cyberstalkers?

Anyone. Any age. Any background.

But some face higher risk:

• Women and girls
• Influencers and celebrities
• Teenagers
• People already facing exclusion bullying

Cyberstalking often begins as social bullying—someone left out, then targeted.

Are There Laws Against Cyberstalking?

Yes. It is a criminal offence in the UK.

Key legislation includes:

• The Protection from Harassment Act 1997
  Makes it illegal to pursue a course of conduct causing alarm or distress.
• The Malicious Communications Act 1988
  Covers threatening, indecent, or grossly offensive messages.
• The Communications Act 2003
  Targets menacing or obscene content sent online.
• The Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015
  Outlaws sharing private sexual images without consent.
• The Fraud Act 2006
  Makes impersonation and online deception for harm or gain a criminal act.

What Can Parents Do to Protect Their Children?

• Teach internet safety and privacy
• Explain how to spot manipulative behaviour
• Monitor online activity and set boundaries
• Use strong privacy settings and two-factor authentication
• Keep communication open and honest
• Encourage children to come forward if anything feels off
• Place shared devices in common areas
• Install parental controls
• Remind them never to share personal details with strangers
• Help them understand the impact of online actions—they might be bullying others without realising

What’s Being Done About Cyberstalking in the UK?

The UK has taken action on cyberstalking through:

• The Met’s Online Hate Crime Hub
  A specialist unit tackling cyberstalking, working with tech companies to remove harmful content and track offenders.
• The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
  Provides clear guidance to handle online stalking cases.
• The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC)
  Offers detailed instruction to officers on investigating digital harassment.
• Government Legislation
  New laws are in development to strengthen protections, including criminalising the sharing of private images without consent.

We will update this page following our upcoming meeting with the Met Police to share new approaches and developments in tackling cyberstalking.

Remember:
Cyberstalking is not just bullying. It’s abuse. It’s illegal. It must be reported.

Support and Resources for Cyberstalking Victims
If you are experiencing cyberstalking, it’s important to seek help quickly. You can find more bullying advice for teenagers on our site, including ways to handle online threats. For additional support, visit ThinkUKnow, a trusted resource from the National Crime Agency offering advice on staying safe online. You can also learn about exclusion bullying, another harmful form of online and offline bullying. If the situation feels overwhelming, speaking to a professional at Childline can make a real difference.

For broader support, see our full bullying advice hub.