Harassers invade social networks …

Dear peach’z,

Today I would like to talk to you about a subject that is close to my heart : harassment through social networks.

I think most of you have heard about cyber-harassment, whether it’s in your entourage or series like“13 reasons why”. For those who do not know, it is harassment via the internet (e-mails, social networks...) and mobile phone. This is a form of sanctioned criminal violence.

With the development of new technologies, cases of cyberharassment are multiplying.

Through the web, harassers are on all platforms, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Tinder…

The danger with the Internet is that the means of harassment are very broad. In fact, it can go by verbal violence, by a video that is shooting, by threat or by compromising photos.

Harassment through social networks particularly affects young people (children and adolescents) categories as more influential.

As you know, social networks allow two people to have a conversation, send photos or videos as intimate as they are.

This means of sharing is one of the first causes of harassment. In fact, with “screens”, the photo or video is in the hands of another person and can be misused or used as a threat.

There have been too many times that people, like you and me, find nudes or private information about you circulating in the hands of the wrong people.

I would say that, among young people, cyber harassment can also lead to school harassment. Yes, if it affects the victim’s entire environment.

Harassment can even sometimes lead people to sucide…

But beware, unfortunately cyber harassment does not only affect young people. A concrete example is that of celebrities. Telerality stars are very targeted. Harassers groups focus on celebrity lifestyles, their looks…

My peach'z, pay attention to everything you post from you as this can be used against you! As for the dm, don’t send anything to anyone, especially through social networks, trust is paramount.

To finish on a touch a little bit more positive, we can see that the platforms have developed and continue to think of « security barriers » that reduce cases of cyber harassment (public account and private account, “blocking” function, requests for discussions, etc…) .

I leave you, take care of yourself and be careful !

By Juliette Dumont