NotMeSarah: Spotting and Resisting Digital Harassment

In a world increasingly connected through digital platforms, the anonymity and reach of the internet have sadly created a breeding ground for a disturbing trend: digital harassment. Digital harassment, unfortunately, encompasses a wide range of abusive behaviors that are specifically targeted to women and girls online.

What is NotMeSarah?

NotMeSarah is a global campaign designed to raise awareness, challenge, and ultimately end digital harassment. The name is a reference to Sarah Everard, a young woman in the United Kingdom who was tragically murdered by a police officer in 2021. In the wake of her death, women across the globe shared their own experiences of digital harassment with the hashtag #NotMeSarah. This outpouring of stories highlighted the pervasive nature of this issue and inspired the creation of the NotMeSarah campaign.

The Scope of Digital Harassment

According to a global survey by Plan International, an alarming:

• 58% of girls have experienced some form of online harassment
• 35% of girls have experienced severe online harassment
• 50% of girls have felt unsafe online
• 25% of girls have limited their online activities due to harassment

Types of Digital Harassment

Digital harassment can take many forms, including:

• Cyberbullying: Repeated and intentional harm through electronic devices
• Online stalking: Repeated and unwanted attention or contact that causes fear or distress
• Trolling: Deliberately provocative or offensive comments intended to disrupt online discussions
• Doxing: Publishing private or sensitive information about someone without their consent
• Revenge porn: Sharing explicit or intimate images of someone without their consent
• Impersonation: Pretending to be someone else online to harass or defame them

Consequences of Digital Harassment

The consequences of digital harassment can be profoundly damaging, both for individuals and society as a whole. Victims of digital harassment may experience:

• Mental health problems: Increased anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms
• Loss of privacy: Having personal information exposed without consent
• Difficulty forming relationships: Feeling isolated and insecure
• Educational and economic setbacks: Being harassed online can disrupt studies and careers
• Physical harm: In extreme cases, digital harassment can lead to physical violence

Strategies for Resisting Digital Harassment

If you are being harassed online, there are a number of strategies you can employ to protect yourself:

• Document the harassment: Take screenshots or printouts of abusive messages or content
• Report the harassment: Contact the platform where the harassment is occurring and report it to a moderator
• Block the harasser: Prevent the harasser from contacting you again
• Seek support: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional
• Consider legal action: In some cases, digital harassment may constitute a crime. You may want to explore legal options.

Tips and Tricks for Staying Safe Online

• Be cautious about what you share: Only share personal information with people you trust
• Use strong passwords: Make sure your passwords are complex and unique
• Be aware of your privacy settings: Review and adjust your privacy settings on all your social media accounts
• Be mindful of what you post: Think before you post anything online. Once it's out there, it's hard to take back
• Report and block harassment: If you see someone being harassed online, report it and block the harasser
• Support organizations that fight digital harassment: Donate to organizations that are working to end digital harassment and support victims

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the difference between digital harassment and cyberbullying?

Digital harassment is any unwanted or harmful behavior that occurs online. Cyberbullying is a specific type of digital harassment that is repeated and intentional.

• What are the key signs of digital harassment?

Some common signs of digital harassment include unwanted or hurtful messages, threats, or doxing.

• What should I do if I am experiencing digital harassment?

If you are experiencing digital harassment, document the harassment, report it to the platform, and block the harasser. You may also want to seek support from a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional.

• How can I support someone who is experiencing digital harassment?

If someone you know is experiencing digital harassment, offer your support and let them know that they are not alone. Help them document the harassment and report it to the platform. You can also encourage them to seek professional help.

• What are some of the laws that protect against digital harassment?

In many countries, laws exist to protect against digital harassment. These laws may vary depending on the jurisdiction.

• What can I do to help prevent digital harassment?

You can help prevent digital harassment by being mindful of what you post online, reporting harassment when you see it, and supporting organizations that are working to end digital harassment.

Call to Action

Join the NotMeSarah campaign today and help end digital harassment.

Spread awareness: Share information about digital harassment with your friends, family, and community.

Support victims: Offer your support to anyone who has experienced digital harassment.

Challenge hate speech: Speak out against hate speech and intolerance online.

Donate to organizations: Support organizations that are working to end digital harassment.

Let's work together to create a world where everyone can feel safe and respected online.

Additional Resources

• Plan International: Global Survey on Girls' Experiences of Online Harassment
• European Institute for Gender Equality: Digital Harassment Against Women and Girls
• National Network to End Domestic Violence: Safety Net for Survivors

Table 1: Types of Digital Harassment and Examples

Table 2: Consequences of Digital Harassment

Table 3: Strategies for Resisting Digital Harassment