Harassment and stalking can be scary, confusing, and difficult to talk about.
Both behaviours can make someone feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or watched.
What matters most is how the person on the receiving end feels, not the intention behind the behaviour.
If something feels too much, too intense, or too intrusive, it’s important to take it seriously.
What harassment means #
Harassment is any behaviour that makes you feel distressed, unsafe, or uncomfortable.
It can happen once, or it can happen repeatedly.
It can be done by someone you know or someone you don’t know.
Harassment can include:
- Someone staring at you in a way that feels threatening
- Someone standing too close or invading your personal space
- Unwanted physical contact
- Repeated messages, emails, or calls
- Following you around during the day
- Not respecting your boundaries after you’ve said stop
- Someone repeatedly trying to talk to you when you don’t want to
Harassment is about your experience.
If you feel bothered, anxious, or intimidated, that matters.
What stalking means #
Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted behaviour that makes someone feel scared, watched, or unsafe.
It is serious and can escalate quickly.
Stalking can include:
- Turning up where you are without being invited
- Following you
- Showing up at your school, home, workplace, or social spaces
- Asking your friends or relatives where you are
- Using social media or location tracking to monitor you
- Sending repeated messages or gifts
- Keeping track of your routine
- Contacting you after you have clearly said you do not want contact
Some behaviours may look “small” or “innocent”, but when they happen repeatedly or make you feel watched, they count as stalking.
There are specialist organisations such as the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and Paladin that offer clear, trusted advice on stalking for young people and adults.
Why stalking is a serious concern #
Stalking can impact:
- Your sense of safety
- Your daily routine
- Your mental health
- Your relationships
- Your ability to relax or feel comfortable in public
If you are worried that someone is stalking you or someone else, it is important to speak up.
You are not overreacting.
Your safety matters.
What to do if you’re worried about harassment or stalking #
- Tell someone you trust
This could be:
- A parent or carer
- A teacher or safeguarding lead
- A youth worker
- A trusted adult in your life
They can help you take the next steps.
- Write things down
Keep a record of what has happened.
Include:
- Dates
- Times
- What the person did
- How it made you feel
This helps people understand what’s going on and can be useful if professionals need to get involved.
- Save messages or evidence
Keep screenshots, emails, or notes.
You do not need to confront the person.
- Get support from safeguarding or the police
Safeguarding teams and the police take stalking and harassment seriously.
Their priority is to keep you safe.
You will be listened to and supported.
Key things to remember #
- Harassment is about how it makes you feel
- Stalking is repeated behaviour that makes someone feel unsafe
- Both can happen offline and online
- These behaviours are not your fault
- You deserve to feel safe
- If you are worried, tell someone as soon as you can
- Keeping a record helps professionals protect you
You do not have to deal with this alone.
Support is available and you deserve to feel safe every day.
