Empowering Parents: Tools to Protect Kids from Cyberstalking

Empowering Parents: Tools to Protect Kids from Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking turns curiosity into obsession, impacting 7.5 million Americans yearly, per the Bureau of Justice Statistics. In 2025, it’s a family nightmare, especially for teens. Parents, here’s how to shield your kids.
Stalkers track via apps, using shared photos’ geotags or fake profiles to infiltrate chats. Unwanted messages can escalate to threats, overlapping with harassment. According to NCMEC, 80% of kids sense online danger but may not report it.
Use tools: Apple’s Screen Time limits app access; Google’s Family Link tracks usage (https://www.google.com/familylink/). Apps like Qustodio flag suspicious contacts. VPNs hide IP addresses. Set rules—no friending strangers, no sharing locations. Role-play saying “no” to risky requests.
A real case: A teen’s stalker used Snapchat streaks to monitor routines. Circle’s app blocked it instantly (https://meetcircle.com/). If stalking hits, document evidence and report to police via IC3.gov (https://www.ic3.gov/).
The Cyber Project offers workshops on boundary-setting. Cyber Civil Rights Initiative provides stalking resources (https://www.cybercivilrights.org/). Parents, you’re the first defense—equip yourself to keep kids safe.