Ever feel as though you’ve been inappropriately followed online? Cyberstalking is a type of cyberbullying, but one that is more targeted and planned. Cyberstalking is often perpetrated by someone older than the victim or more experienced, targeting someone for a specific reason. You can find out more at the Social Media Victims Law Centre. 

What does it look like? 

Cyberstalking is a form of harassment involving the use of technology to track and harass someone. Conducted through phone, email or social media, the perpetrator is often acting out of spite or revenge and attempting to control and coerce the victim. Cyberstalking is a breach of privacy and not at all the fault of the victim. 

It is intimidating and aggressive and may include threats of harm. It is designed to create fear in the victim, making them feel isolated and powerless. It can also escalate easily, as virtual stalking can lead to offline stalking. 

Examples of cyberstalking include: 

• Sending excessive and abusive messages to the victim 
• Posting or threatening to post explicit or vulnerable images or rumours about the victim 
• Tracking location and habitual activities, such as: 
  • School
  • Work 
  • Address or neighbourhood 
  • Extracurricular activities

Cyberstalking can also mean hacking into social media accounts to: 

• Pose as the victim 
• Learn personal information about the victim 
• Steal data or explicit material 

“Cyberstalking is often accompanied by offline stalking and it can lead to physical danger. Threats of sexual abuse or other forms of physical violence should be reported to the police.” – eSafety Commissioner

What you can do

• Report it 
  • Tell a trusted adult 
  • Cyberstalking is a crime and it should be reported 
• Change your settings 
  • Block the perpetrator 
  • Follow The eSaftey Guide to find out how you can protect yourself online
  • If you suspect you are being stalked online, contact the police

Where to get help

• Apply for a Protection Order (also known as an intervention order): this will stop the person who assaulted you from contacting you or being near you. Protection orders are different in every state, check out 1800 RESPECT to find out how they work, and how to apply for one, in your state.
• Visit the eSafety Commissioner website for tips for staying safe and secure online, and where to seek support.