The 3 Steps To Help Deal With Being Harassed Online
Since much of our life is spent online, there are many ways for this to complicate your life. Everything we do online leaves a trail which makes it very easy for people to harass you from a distance. Online harassment is becoming a big problem that can seriously affect your mental health and safety.
Harassment happens in a lot of places online and even by SMS on your phone. Social media, where people share their lives and opinions, is a common spot for it. Gaming communities, which can be competitive and sometimes toxic, also see a lot of abuse. Whatever form it comes in, you have to deal with it before it gets worse. In this article, we will go over several tips so you can feel protected online.
1 – Use the right tools
When it comes to dealing with online harassment, there are some great tools and software out there that can really help protect you.
One of the first things you can do is use privacy tools that keep your personal information off the internet. For example, DeleteMe is a service that removes your details from websites that collect and sell your data. According to TechRadar’s review on DeleteMe, it’s a pretty effective way to keep your private info from falling into the wrong hands.
Most social media platforms and forums also have built-in features that let you block and report people who are bothering you. These tools are super easy to use and can stop unwanted contact right away. Plus, reporting abusive behavior helps make the online space safer for everyone.
2 – Be proactive
Taking some simple steps ahead of time can help protect you from online harassment. Here are a few things you can do to stay safe.
First, check your privacy settings on social media and other websites. Most platforms let you control who can see your posts, send you messages, or even find your profile. Setting your accounts to private or limiting who can contact you makes it much harder for anyone to bother you.
It’s also important to be careful about what personal information you share online. Think twice before posting things like your address, phone number, or other details that someone could use to find you. The less you share, the safer you’ll be.
3 – Report the harassment
If you’re dealing with online harassment, knowing how to report it can help stop the problem and protect others.
Start by reporting the harassment on the platform where it’s happening. Whether it’s social media, a gaming site, or another online space, most places have ways to report abusive behavior. You can often block the person bothering you and let the platform know what’s going on.
If the harassment includes serious threats or makes you feel unsafe, it’s important to contact your local authorities right away. This is especially true if someone threatens violence or you feel your safety is at risk. The police can look into it and take action to protect you.
