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Cyberstalking and harassment

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Cyberstalking and harassment FAQ

Photo of someone sitting in front of a computer monitor These are the most frequently asked questions we receive about cyberstalking and/or harassment.

We have more extensive information about cyberstalking and cyberharassment, as well as one-to-one help and a self-help interactive guide and tutorial.

What can you do to avoid becoming a victim of cyberstalking/harassment?

Typically, the cyberharassment victim is new online, and inexperienced with the rules of netiquette (online etiquette). So learning the rules of the cyber-road is a good way to avoid being an easy mark for a cyberstalker/harasser. WiredSafety's Wired-Ed classes teach smart and safe surfing, without charge, to volunteers and site visitors alike. The classes are easy and are available online in our safe chat rooms, by our trained Wired-Ed instructors and volunteers.

In addition, our Wired-Ed Internet 101 materials can help you learn more about online risks and safe surfing do's and don'ts. They are available online, without charge, by following this link >>

Typically, the cyberharasser feels empowered by the perceived anonymity online. They feel they can hide behind their monitor. But most people leave a trail of cyber-breadcrumbs behind them online. Learning how to read an e-mail header is a good place to start stripping your stalker/harasser of their perceived anonymity.

WiredSafety's Wired-Ed classes include one on reading a header, and can also be found by following this link >>
We also have materials and classes on protecting your privacy online.

Ignoring the communications sent to you is the best first step to stopping most cyberstalking/harassment. Unless your situation involves a truly obsessed or depraved harasser, most will lose interest quickly if they don't get the reaction they seek. Our cyber-self-defense tips can help you avoid cyberstalking/harassment entirely and stop it before it gets out-of-hand.

Flaming wars (where insults and verbal attacks are traded online) can often lead to cyberstalking and harassment. Flaming can get out of control quickly and often escalates into serious threats, offline and online.

Cyberstalking, where the real dangers arise, can have a substantial offline aspect, either by way of the victim and stalker working together, romantically involved or prior or current communications of some kind. Some are intent on targeting victims of sexual abuse, cancer patients and members of certain minority groups. Protecting your privacy is key to protecting yourself form credible offline threats. (You can learn more about protecting your privacy and anonymity online at WiredSafety’s privacy pages or by taking one of their “protecting your privacy online” Wired-Ed classes.)

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