Cyberstalking involves using digital technology—including social media, digital tracking devices, digital messaging, email, spyware, surveillance cameras, or keyloggers—to track, follow, intimidate, or harass an individual, family, group, or community (Marcum & Higgins, 2021). Cyberstalking scenarios may range from someone harassing their former spouse after separation, to racist or homophobic bullying in a school or other organizational environment, to threats to extort money by someone possessing nude images or other embarrassing information, deep fakes (AI-generated videos or photos) targeting political candidates, to recreational computer hacking (“for fun”), to surveillance by someone planning to steal from a person’s home or workplace. People affected by cyberstalking may or may not know the person initiating it (Walsh et al., 2024). With rapid development of digital technology and surveillance in recent years, it is increasingly important for Mental health professionals (MHPs) to be aware of ways in which clients may be affected by cyberstalking and how they can provide support.
Identification
One of the first roles of MHPs is to help identify instances when clients may be affected by cyberstalking. Some clients may not be aware of the risks of cyberstalking, for instance, when they receive phishing emails or when they click on malicious websites. Others may know that they are being cyberstalked but feel too ashamed or afraid to disclose their experiences. The person perpetrating the cyberstalking use threats such as, “If you tell anyone, I will immediately erase your hard drive,” or “Your children won’t be safe.”
MHPs can enhance opportunities for disclosure of cyberstalking by screening for such issues during their intake and assessment processes. They may also provide awareness education by having information about cyberstalking on their websites, office bulletin boards, or social media. Knowing that some people may feel uncomfortable discussing cyberstalking, MHPs can demonstrate that they are a safe, reliable person to share such information. “If it’s OK with you, I’d like to ask about whether you’ve ever experienced harassment or bullying, online or in-person… I know that some people find it difficult to discuss such issues… If you’ve experienced any of these issues, I’m here to offer support and resources to help you decide the best way to respond.”
Support and Psychoeducation: Emotional and Legal
Caring and compassionate listening is often the most crucial form of support that MHPs can provide. They may be the first person with whom the client has shared their concerns about cyberstalking. MHPs may tune into emotional concerns such as fear, despair, or anger. MHPs may also screen for suicidal ideation, especially with vulnerable populations such as young teens who may be too afraid to tell their parents that they are being extorted by a peer or an adult.
MHPs may also help clients discuss options they’ve considered, as well as other options that they might consider. In some instances, there may be technical fixes, such as strengthening a computer’s safeguards against phishing, tracking, and other forms of attack. If the cyberbullying is taking place in a school or other organizational context, that organization may have resources and processes to support the client. Depending on the situation, legal actions may be beneficial. Laws on cyberstalking vary from state-to-state (Cyberstalking Research Center, n.d.), so they may need to obtain legal advice. Clients may be able to secure restraining orders barring contact from the person who is cyberstalking. Alternatively, they might press criminal charges or initiate a civil lawsuit (Barsky, 2024). There are various organizations and websites that can provide assistance with how to respond to cyberstalking. There is no one-size-fits-all response. A person who initially decides not to take action may need a period of time—perhaps with support of an MHP—before they decide to initiate some type of action to protect themselves from further cyberstalking (e.g., StopBullying.Gov, n.d.).
Conclusion
When a client is being cyberstalked, MHPs can play invaluable roles in offering a safe space, emotional support, psychoeducation, and connections to legal and other services. Simply “being there” can make a huge difference in a client’s sense of safety and well-being.
