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The issue of cyberstalking involving children has become a growing concern, with reports of children as young as 10 and 11 being reported to police forces in England for suspected cyberstalking offences. Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips emphasized the need for educating young individuals about healthy relationships in the digital age. She highlighted the importance of addressing this issue as part of the government’s wider strategy against violence towards women and girls. Charities have noted that constant online monitoring has become normalized among young people, indicating the urgency for intervention and education.
Cyberstalking, defined as the use of digital tools to harass, threaten, or spread false information, is a serious issue that can have a significant impact on victims. Encouraging unhealthy behaviors under the guise of flattery, cyberstalking can lead to fear, distress, and anxiety among those targeted. The normalization of digital surveillance among young people, through actions like sharing locations and constant messaging, has raised alarms for potential future relationships. This behavior, often seen as signs of care and love, may set harmful precedents for their interactions.
Instances of cyberstalking and stalking among under-16s remain under-researched and underfunded, despite their increasing relevance and impact. With children as young as 13 being referred to Protection Against Stalking from schools, the concern for younger children becoming victims or perpetrators of cyberstalking is growing. The trend of online surveillance and sharing of live locations on platforms like Snapchat among teenagers has underscored the need for responsible digital citizenship. Educating children about meaningful consent and privacy is crucial to preventing exploitation and fostering healthy online relationships
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