New Study: Kids are Targets
The internet is a huge part of our lives—connecting us to friends, school, and fun. But it’s not always safe. A BBC investigation from late 2025 found that kids as young as 10 are being targeted by cyberstalkers on social media and apps. A University College London (UCL) study from early October 2025 also shows cyberstalking is growing faster than physical stalking, hitting teens, women, and LGBTQ+ people the hardest. This is a serious issue, and we need to talk about it to protect ourselves and our friends.
Cyberstalking is when someone uses the internet to harass, scare, or follow another person. This can mean sending creepy messages, making fake accounts to bully, or even tracking someone’s location through apps. The BBC report shared scary stories of kids our age being tricked into sharing personal info, only to have it used to embarrass or threaten them. The UCL study says cyberstalking is rising because phones and social media make it easy for creeps to target people from anywhere.
Teens are especially at risk. We’re on TikTok, Snapchat, or Instagram all the time, and we might not realize when someone’s acting shady. The study also found that women and LGBTQ+ students face extra harassment, often because of who they are. For example, girls might get gross messages, and LGBTQ+ teens might face hate or threats about their identity. This can make people feel super anxious, depressed, or even afraid to go online.
So why are teens, women, and LGBTQ+ folks targeted? It’s partly because we share a lot online—photos, locations, or thoughts—without always thinking about who’s watching. Cyberstalkers use this to their advantage, hiding behind fake profiles. New tech, like AirTags or GPS apps, also lets them track people in real life, which is terrifying. The UCL study says this makes cyberstalking different from old-school stalking—it’s easier, sneakier, and harder to stop.
The good news? We can fight back. Experts from the UCL study want better tools, like AI that spots sketchy behavior online, and more support for victims. Here’s what we can do right now:
1. Stay smart online: Keep your accounts private, don’t share personal stuff with strangers, and turn off location tags. If someone’s messaging you weirdly, block them and tell an adult.
2. Report it: If you’re being harassed, report it on the app or tell a teacher, parent, or counselor. In the U.S., you can contact the Office for Victims of Crime for help.
3. Learn the signs: Cyberstalking can start small, like someone liking all your posts or sending too many DMs. Trust your gut if it feels off.
4. Push for change: Talk to your school about teaching online safety. The BBC says schools need to help kids learn how to stay safe on the internet.
Cyberstalking is a big deal—an estimated 7.5 million Americans deal with it every year. It’s not just “drama”; it can hurt people’s mental health and make them feel trapped. As high schoolers, we can spread the word, watch out for each other, and demand that platforms like Instagram or Snapchat step up to protect us. If you’re being cyberstalked, don’t stay quiet—reach out to someone you trust or check out resources like the National Center for Victims of Crime.
Let’s keep the internet a place for fun and connection, not fear. Stay safe!