Unfortunately, harassment has become a common occurrence online. While the internet can be a great place to connect with people from all over the world, it can also be a breeding ground for negativity and abuse. If you’re being harassed online, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and there are steps you can take to put an end to it. Here are some tips on how to stop online harassment.
What You Need to Know About Harassment Online
The internet has created new opportunities for communication and connection, but it has also opened up new avenues for harassment. Whether it’s through social media, email, or text messaging, anyone can be a target of online harassment.
While some forms of online harassment are relatively harmless, such as trolling or sending unwanted messages, other forms can be far more damaging. For instance, cyberstalking is a form of online harassment that involves continuously sending threatening or abusive messages in an attempt to scare or intimidate the victim.
In some cases, online harassment can even lead to offline stalking or harassment. This is why if you’re being harassed online, don’t hesitate to reach out to a friend or family member for support as well as authorities.
What Can the Police Do About Online Harassment?
While law enforcement has always had to deal with harassment, the rise of the internet has created new challenges. Traditional forms of harassment, such as letters and phone calls, are relatively easy to track and trace because they don’t hide their identity. However, online harassment can be much more difficult to identify and prosecute. In many cases, online harassment takes the form of anonymous or fake accounts sending threatening or abusive messages. This can make it difficult for the police to identify the source of the harassment and take appropriate action.
That being said, it will be beneficial for victims to not only alert and make a report to authorities but to also reach out and gain the assistance of other experts including cyber harassment specialists, and the FBI.
How to Stop Online Harassment?
If you’re being harassed online, it’s important to know the steps you can take to put an end to the abuse. Here are four tips for how to stop online harassment:
1. Keep a Record of the Abuse
If you’re being harassed, it’s important to keep a record of the abuse. This can be helpful if you decide to report the harassment or take legal action. Be sure to save any messages, comments, or emails that you receive from the person who is harassing you. If possible, take screenshots or screen recordings of the abuse as well.
2. Block the Person Who is Harassing You
Most social media platforms and email providers have blocking features that allow you to block someone who is harassing you. Once you block someone, they will no longer be able to see your posts or contact you through the platform or service.
3. Report the Person Who is Harassing You
If someone you know is constantly harassing you online, you need to report it to the authorities. If the person is disguising their identity, you should still report it to authorities and also reach out to cyber harassment specialists who can help reveal your harasser’s identity.
Victims should also seek out help from an attorney. They can help guide victims through the legal options they have to bring their harasser to justice.
4. Get Support from Family and Friends
Dealing with harassment can be difficult and stressful. Be sure to reach out to your family and friends for support during this time. You may also want to consider speaking with a therapist or counselor who can help you deal with the emotional impact of being harassed.
Conclusions
If you’re being harassed online, remember that you’re not alone and there are steps on how to get someone to stop harassing you. Be sure to keep a record of the abuse, block the person who is harassing you, report their behavior, and get support from family and friends. Taking these steps can help put an end to online harassment.
