Harassment is a big problem on social media. Unfortunately, there are no specific federal laws that deal with harassment on social media. However, some state laws may apply that can help users who are being harassed. Below is everything you need to know about social media harassment laws and how you can get help.
What is Harassment?
It’s important to note that state laws have different definitions of what constitutes as harassment. However, in general, harassment is any type of behavior that is intended to scare, threaten, or intimidate another person. This can include things like:
- Threatening physical harm
- Making lewd or obscene comments
- Engaging in stalking behavior
- Continuously sending unwanted messages or requests
- Creating a fake online profile to harass someone
For instance, in California, harassment is defined as making a “Credible threat” to someone and sending harassing messages or calls.
What Are the Consequences of Harassment?
While there are no federal laws specifically dealing with social media harassment, there are some state laws that may apply. For instance, in New Mexico, any person convicted of harassment can be fined up to $1,000 and may also have to spend up to a year in jail. In addition, if the victim of harassment is under the age of 18, the penalties may be increased.
Sadly, harassment doesn’t only affect the perpetrator, but also the victim of the harassment. Around 59% of teenagers said they’ve been harassed online, showing just how big of a problem this is. Victims of harassment can experience a range of negative effects, such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss or gain
- Social isolation
If you or someone you know is being harassed on social media, it’s important to get help. There are a few different ways you can do this.
How to Get Help
There are a few different ways you can get help if you’re being harassed on social media. The first step is to reach out to the site or platform where the harassment is taking place. Most social media sites have policies in place that prohibit harassment. If you report the harassment, the site may be able to take action, such as removing the content or banning the user.
In addition, you can also reach out to law enforcement for help. If you’re being harassed by someone in your state, you can file a police report. The police may be able to take action against the perpetrator, such as filing charges. You might also be able to get a restraining order, which can prohibit the person from contacting you.
Finally, you can also reach out to a lawyer for help. A lawyer can assess your situation and may be able to take legal action on your behalf, such as filing a lawsuit.
Take Action Today
Harassment is a serious problem that can have lasting effects on its victims. Most people that harass others online will eventually get bored and move on to someone else. However, some people may become fixated on their victim and continue to harass them even after being asked to stop. If you’re being harassed, don’t suffer in silence. There are people and resources that can help you if you’re the victim of harassment.
Your lawyer can give you resources, as well as help determine the next steps to take to file a lawsuit. You might be entitled to damages like pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages.
However, only a trained legal aid can help you fully understand your rights and how best to protect them.