In recent years, stalking has evolved from the traditional expressions of obsession, which involved, following, monitoring, harassing the victim and attempts at intimidation. Now the act can be performed through the Internet and is, therefore, referred to as cyber stalking when adults are involved and cyber bullying for children.

Recent online stalking statistics indicate that approximately 52% of the nation’s students are being bullied online. This type of stalking takes the form of attempts at damaging the victim’s reputation by posting negative information about them on social media sites. These online communities are generally large, therefore, the information spreads quickly to a large number of individuals. Many children are unable to handle this type of abuse and often times embarrassment, hence there have been incidents children committing suicide as a result of this abuse. Social network stalking, and should be addressed as soon as it is identified, especially when children are involved. Continue reading →

California was the first state to enact laws in relation to stalking in 1990. It was also the first state in 1999 to enact cyberstalking laws. Since then there are many other states that have followed suit, but not all. USA Federal stalking laws consider it a federal crime with punishment of years in prison and payment of a fine. Many of the state laws have been enacted as a result of an unfortunate ending to a cyber stalking event. Stalking is generally an obsessive behavior, which include repeated following, phoning, making threats. The intent of the stalker is to intimidate the victim. Continue reading →

In recent years, many crimes have been perpetrated over the Internet, crimes that have become even easier to get away with because of this technology. Identity theft and other methods of fraud are becoming increasingly popular and so is cyberstalking, making cyberstalking laws necessary.

This obsessive behavior is also called cyber bullying. The means of stalking may be done either electronically or through the use of the Internet. There is only a slight difference in the use of the terms. Cyber bullying, usually akin to bullying that takes place in schools, is usually used when referring to children, while cyber stalking refers to that perpetrated by and against adults. Continue reading →