Be Record Ready: Tips to Collate Proof of Cyber Harassment
Be Record Ready: Tips to Collate Proof of Cyber Harassment
With increasing reliance on online means of communication, there has also been an increase in the instances of cyber harassment. This is especially troubling for parents as children can become easy victims of cyber harassment as they go about their online activities.
What is cyber harassment?
Cyber harassment is the use of online means to harass an individual or a group. It may be done through the use of emails, websites, instant messaging, or other online media and causes significant distress to victims of cyber harassment. The risk is heightened for youngsters who may be easier targets and tend to spend more time online.
Different states have different laws pertaining to cyber harassment, and the protection you can seek in such cases depends on the laws existing in your state. Regardless of what these specific laws are, documentation of the cyber harassment and showing proof of victimization can help you make a case against the harasser.
Collecting proof of cyber harassment
The first thing you need to do before you collect proof is to remain alert to changes in your child. Cyber harassment may take place through the posting of fake images and ads or even by sending threatening messages on online platforms. As a parent, it’s crucial for you to monitor your child’s online activities and maintain open communication so that they feel comfortable discussing their experiences with you.
If you’ve noticed a change in the behavior of your child and become aware that it’s a result of cyber harassment, make sure to document it. Documentation in cases of cyber harassment is crucial to being able to prove that your child is a victim of cyber harassment.
While documenting the cyber harassment that’s occurred, be sure to make copies of everything. Print copies of the concerning emails, messages, blogs, or websites and keep a copy as aback-up.
Don’t just rely on screenshots of such harassing content to act as digital proof. Making sure you have hard copies as well as soft copies of the records of proof will ensure you have a backup in case any of the files get damaged. An advantage of using our apps is that parents get 24/7 backup access to all content of their children. Whether it’s text messages, phone calls, or your child’s online activities, our apps will give you access to all the content you need to document as proof.
In case the messages of harassment have been deleted, you can also get witness testimonies of others who were part of the same thread of conversation or saw the same harassing content. Getting the opinion of a psychologist that the cyber harassment resulted in mental distress for your child can also help to solidify your case against the harasser.