Tips for Protecting Yourself From Cyberstalking From 2015 M3AAWG Litynski Award Recipient Jayne A. Hitchcock - Seite 2

"When a communication becomes threatening or harassing, you should respond just once by succinctly telling the perpetuator to stop contacting you. Don't get pulled into their emotional manipulation or accusations. After that, don't reply to their emails or other communications but keep a copy of everything. Also be sure to contact the abuse department where the agitation started, such as Facebook, Twitter or Snapshot," Hitchcock said.

To help protect yourself from being harassed, Hitchcock suggested:

• Use a gender-neutral email address.
• Use an email address from a free provider, such as Gmail or Yahoo!, rather then one supplied by your online service provider. This will make it harder for a stalker to discover where you live.
• Avoid heated online arguments -- just step away before the discussion becomes toxic.
• Do not help friends who are being stalked or harassed by engaging with the perpetrators on their behalf. Instead, support their efforts to stop the crime by directing them to contact the appropriate authorities and abuse desks.

In her educational outreach programs, Hitchcock shows students exactly what type of information a stranger can find about them online. Although teenagers are sophisticated in their use of technology, many are shocked at the personal details they thought were private but can be easily accessed.

Teenagers also need to understand that cyberbullying can be a crime and there are nonjudgmental people and organizations to protect them. Hitchcock encourages students to report abuse by talking with a trusted adult such as teacher or coach, direct messaging the WHO@ mascot she introduces in the program that is set up on social media, or completing the WHO@ harassment reporting form at www.haltabuse.org, among other resources. 

"Bullied students often have no clue where to go for help and many are desperate. Students can be very reluctant to tell their parents, even those with good family relationships, because they're afraid the first line of defense will be to take away their Internet privileges." Hitchcock said.

Since it's founding in 1999, WHO@ has helped over 4,000 victims and now has a staff of 28 advocates. Hitchcock also has written a book on how to stay safe online, Net Crimes & Misdemeanors, in its second edition, and one exploring criminal exploits linked to the Internet, True Crime Online. A book on cyberbullying is planned for 2016.