Cyberstalking: Warning Signs Your Child is Being Cyberstalked

Cyberstalking is sometimes misconstrued as a minor problem because the harassment does not occur face-to-face, but don’t be fooled by the disguise.  Cyberstalking (harassment or unwanted communication via technology) can lead to in-person stalking, sexting, and cyberbullying, and should be taken very seriously. To stop cyberstalking, we must first understand the warning signs and recognize the behavior patterns that our children may exhibit if there is indeed a problem.

Your child may be cyberstalked if he/she:

1.       Spends long periods of time on the computer, especially late at night.

2.       Receives several unwanted emails (including spam) or text messages per day.

3.       Makes calls to numbers that you do not recognize.

4.       Has an email address or cell phone account that has been hacked.

5.       Learns that friends or family have received emails from their address which they did not send themselves (a.k.a. email forgery).

6.       Uses an email address that you do not recognize.

7.       Receives electronic viruses.

8.       Is cyberbullied in online chat rooms or forums.

9.       Discovers their personal information posted online without their consent, or worse- has their identity stolen.

10.   Closes windows or turns off the computer monitor when you or another parent is nearby.

11.   Receives physical gifts, mail and packages from someone you do not know.

12.   Becomes withdrawn from family, friends, school, and activities.

13.   Exhibits feelings of anger, annoyance, anxiety, fear, helplessness, sickness, depression or suicidal thoughts.

14.   Has difficulty sleeping and/or concentrating.

15.   Experiences weight fluctuations (losing or gaining).

To prevent cyberstalking, consider using an Internet monitoring software (like SafetyWeb) to help protect your children and teens online. Safetyweb requires no download or installation, you can access it from anywhere via web, mail alerts or mobile phone. For more information about our subscription plan, click here.

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