What is Cyberstalking?
Cyberstalking is where harassment and trolling develop into something more direct. Persistent and obsessional, cyberstalkers follow their victims across multiple digital or online platforms. They use methods such as email, chatrooms, social media or text to build a web to home in on their victim.
Stastistics on Cyberstalking
A recent survey was carried out in the UK by Statisa. Overall, 36 percent of respondents said that they had been trolled, and a third reported being victims of cyberstalking.
| Characteristic | Share of respondents |
|---|---|
| Cyber bullying | 51% |
| Online harassment | 45% |
| Trolling | 36% |
| Cyber stalking | 33% |
What do they do then?
Cyberstalkers may share their victim’s personal information online or blackmail them. They may track a victims movements by checking locations social media posts.
Targets of cyberstalking?
Cyberstalking can happen to anyone in the UK regardless of age, gender, race, or socio-economic status. However, research suggests that women and girls are more likely to be victims of cyberstalking compared to men and boys. Additionally, people who are more active on social media such as celebrities and influencers, and have a large online presence may be at a higher risk of being cyberstalked. Sometimes it begins as a result of exclusion bullying.
Are their laws against cyberstalking?
Yes, there are laws against cyberstalking in the UK. It is illegal under The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 which makes it a criminal offense to pursue a course of conduct that causes alarm or distress to another person.
In addition:
The Malicious Communications Act 1988 makes it a criminal offense to send a message that is indecent or grossly offensive, or a threat.
The Communications Act 2003 makes it a criminal offense to send a message that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character.
The Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 makes it a criminal offense to disclose private sexual photographs and films without the consent of an individual who appears in them and with intent to cause that individual distress.
The Fraud Act 2006 makes it a criminal offense to use false instruments with intent to deceive, including the use of social media or other online platforms to impersonate someone else with the intent to deceive or harm.
What can parents do to protect their children?
- Educate them on internet safety and privacy.
Set boundaries and monitor their online activity.
Encourage them to be cautious with personal information.
Teach them to recognise behaviour.
Use privacy settings on social media and enable two-factor authentication.
Have open and honest communication with them.
Encourage them to think before they post in case they are bullying others.
Install parental control software.
Keep the home computer in a public area.
Encourage them to tell you if they encounter anything frightening or uncomfortable
Remember: Cyberstalking is a serious issue that affects teens every day. It’s important to remember that cyberstalking is a crime and should be reported to the authorities
What’s happening about cyberstalking in the UK.
The Metropolitan Police Service (Met Police) has a dedicated unit called the “Online Hate Crime Hub” that deals specifically with online hate crimes, including cyberstalking. The hub works with other police forces, social media companies, and other organizations to investigate and prosecute cyberstalking cases.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has guidance for prosecutors on how to handle cases involving online stalking and harassment.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has issued guidance to police forces on how to handle and investigate cyberstalking cases, including how to work with social media companies to gather evidence and remove harmful content.
The UK government has also announced plans to bring forward legislation to make it a criminal offence to share private sexual images without consent.
I will be meeting with the Met next month and will report back on new ways they are dealing with this offence.
