The usage of the internet for all sorts of tasks on a college campus is commonplace. Very seldom is the encounter with a student who does not have a computer or access to the internet. Access to the internet, however, can present the opportunity for a student to commit a cyber crime. One of the most notorious cyber crimes is known as cyber stalking. Cyber stalking is likely to be treated seriously under both the law and by a student's school.
What Is Cyber Stalking?
Cyber stalking is a crime that involves making use of the internet to commit the act of stalking. This can include repeatedly attempting to contact a person online, making constant online gestures towards person's online, and the like. Many interactions with individuals can be misconstrued as cyber stalking, which can result in dire consequences for a student facing these accusations.
What Are Examples of Cyber Stalking on a College Campus?
Many times, cyber stalking claims can arise from misunderstandings between two students, however, certain actions will constitute cyber stalking. Some examples of behavior that can potentially constitute cyberstalking include:
- Repeatedly Contacting a Person Online: Attempting to contact a person repeatedly through online means can fall under the umbrella of cyber stalking, especially if these attempts to contact them are not desired, or hostile.
- Constantly Visiting a Person's Social Media Profile: Making repeat visits to a person's social media profile can become cumbersome and unsettling for them. This may constitute stalking.
- Constant Interactions With a Person's Social Media Profile: Repeated and unwanted interactions with a person's social media profile can also constitute cyber stalking. Actions such as repeatedly "liking" or "reacting" to pictures or updates may be unwanted, and can potentially warrant charges for cyber stalking.
- Constant Online Interactions With a Person's Friends and Family: A person that constantly makes unwanted interactions with another's close family and friends can be charged with cyberstalking.
How Can Cyber Stalking Affect My Standing With My College?
Cyber stalking is considered a crime in most jurisdictions. Many times local authorities will work together with campus police and provide information and evidence to one another. This can lead to a student not only facing criminal charges but also facing disciplinary actions from their university in response to these accusations. Sometimes, a university may make use of its Title IX policy for sexual harassment in these cases. Title IX violations carry serious consequences that may mean suspension or expulsion for a student that has been found to be in violation of the policy.
Nationwide Student Defense Attorney
When a student faces criminal or disciplinary charges, their future goals in academic or professional life can be in danger. Criminal charges and disciplinary charges are detrimental to a student's standing with their college. Even if a student is cleared of criminal charges, their college will likely hold a separate hearing for their violations within the college's policy. An attorney can help a student with both of these matters.
If you or your student has been charged with cyber stalking, contact attorney Joseph D. Lento today at 888-535-3686.
