Understanding Stalking: A Guide for High School Students and Parents

Understanding Stalking: A Guide for High School Students and Parents

What is Stalking? Stalking involves repeated, unwanted attention and harassment directed at an individual that causes fear, anxiety, or concern for personal safety. It can occur in person or through digital means such as text messages, social media, and emails. Stalkers often monitor, follow, or threaten their victims, making them feel unsafe or intimidated.

For high school-aged students, stalking can manifest in ways that may seem subtle at first, such as:

• Constant, unwanted texts, calls, or social media messages.
• Following someone from school to home or other locations.
• Repeatedly showing up at places they frequent without invitation.
• Spreading rumors or posting private information online.

Why Awareness is Crucial for Teens and Parents: Teens may not always recognize stalking behavior, especially when it is disguised as excessive attention or affection. Parents should stay informed, as technology and social media can make stalking easier and less visible to adults. Both parents and students should understand the emotional toll and danger stalking presents and how to identify early warning signs.

Warning Signs of Stalking:

• Receiving excessive messages or calls, even after asking the person to stop.
• Feeling pressured, monitored, or afraid due to someone’s persistent presence or communication.
• Noticing someone tracking your location via social media or apps.
• Getting unsolicited gifts or attention that feels intrusive or inappropriate.

Strategies for Parents and Students to Address Stalking:

1. Open Communication:

   • Encourage teens to talk openly with trusted adults if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
   • Teach them to recognize behaviors that cross the line from interest to harassment.

2. Document Everything:

   • Keep records of unwanted messages, calls, or encounters, including dates and times.
   • Take screenshots of online harassment or cyberstalking as evidence.

3. Set Clear Boundaries:

   • Help teens practice assertiveness by clearly telling the stalker to stop and avoiding further contact. Ignoring the problem often escalates the behavior.
   • Ensure privacy settings are strong on social media platforms to limit information sharing.

4. Involve Authorities Early:

   • If the behavior persists, parents and teens should reach out to school officials or law enforcement. Many schools have policies to address harassment and stalking.
   • A restraining order may be necessary to protect the student’s safety.

5. Safety Planning:

   • Develop a safety plan with the child, including steps like changing daily routines, blocking contacts on social media, and knowing who to reach out to in case of an emergency.
   • Encourage students to avoid walking alone and to use buddy systems when leaving school or attending social events.

6. Mental Health Support:

   • Stalking can be emotionally draining. Seek support from counselors or therapists to help students process fear and anxiety.

Stalking is a serious issue that can impact a student’s emotional well-being and physical safety. By staying informed, maintaining open communication, and implementing proactive strategies, both parents and students can take steps to prevent and address stalking behavior. The key is to act early and decisively, ensuring the safety and security of the student.