Glossary/Online Safety Basics/Cyberstalking

what is cyberstalking

What is Cyberstalking?

Cyberstalking is the repeated use of technology to harass, monitor, or intimidate a specific person. It goes beyond bullying to include systematic tracking of someone's online activity, unwanted contact across multiple platforms, threats, and attempts to monitor their physical location.

Why It Matters for Families

Cyberstalking is a crime in most jurisdictions, but victims often don't recognize it as such — especially if the stalker was a former friend or romantic interest. It causes significant psychological harm and can escalate to physical danger.

Warning Signs to Watch For

  • 1Receives repeated unwanted messages from the same person across different platforms
  • 2Someone seems to know details about their location or schedule that they didn't share
  • 3Experiences escalating contact even after blocking the person
  • 4Someone creates new accounts after being blocked to continue contact

What You Can Do

Document all contacts with dates, times, and screenshots. Block on all platforms. File a police report — cyberstalking is a criminal offense. Consider consulting a lawyer about a restraining order if behavior involves threats or physical elements. Do not engage with the stalker, as any response can reinforce the behavior.

CleoSocial Helps with Cyberstalking

CleoSocial's content ratings, time limits, and family dashboard address cyberstalking directly — without surveillance or conflict.

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Related Terms

Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is bullying that happens through digital devices — phones, computers, or tablets — via apps, social media, text messages, or online gaming. It includes sending mean messages, spreading rumors online, posting embarrassing photos, or excluding someone from online groups repeatedly over time.
Doxxing
Doxxing (also written as 'doxing') is the act of researching and publicly exposing private personal information about someone — such as their home address, phone number, school, or workplace — without their consent, usually with the intent to harass, threaten, or harm them.
Online Predators
Online predators are adults who use the internet to target and exploit minors, typically through social media, gaming platforms, or messaging apps. They often use deception — pretending to be peers or romantic interests — and build trust through a gradual process called grooming before attempting to exploit children.
Digital Footprint
A digital footprint is the trail of data left behind whenever someone uses the internet — including posts, photos, comments, search history, location data, and account activity. Some parts are active (things you intentionally share) and others are passive (data collected by apps and websites in the background).
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