Textual harassment
Technology may open up a whole new world of possibility, but it can also create a lot of problems. When it comes to mobile phones, text harassment is on the increase.
Why has it become such an issue?
It's relatively easy to remain anonymous when sending text messages. Nowadays, mobile phones can be bought over the counter, with no names on contracts or admin paper trails. This makes calls difficult to trace, which can appeal to anyone planning on making someone's life a misery.
What's behind a threatening text?
Receiving any kind of unsolicited, malicious message is unpleasant. It can rock your confidence, and cause you to ask questions about family and friends (statistics show that in most cases, it'll be someone you know). But whoever's behind it, and it may take some time to find out, you need to keep assuring yourself that this is their problem and not yours. What they're doing is a cowardly act, driven by anything from jealousy to insecurity or just plain spite.
How should I respond?
It may be tempting to thumb back an invitation to 'go fk urslf!', but you'd be giving this individual exactly what he or she wants. They're trying to provoke a response from you, after all - anything they can act upon or use to justify further abuse, which is why it's so important to deny them the opportunity. So instead of hitting reply, press save or make a note of the text, including the time and date. Also keep any itemised phone bills. Build up evidence in this way, and if you have to take it to someone with the authority to act, you can provide all the proof they need.
What if it continues?
Hopefully your silent treatment will mean the individual responsible grows bored of sending one-way texts and quits. Bullies are basically deeply insecure, after all. If they can't give themselves a power hit by making you react on command, then chances are they'll give up. Even so, you have every right to take further steps in a bid to stop this harassment, and you can do so at any time. Here's how:
- Limit your mobile phone use: Consider returning to landlines for a while. The less you use your phone, the more frustrated your text-stalker will become.
- Get a second mobile phone: Be selective about giving out the number, and make a note of who has it.
- Confidential: When you give out the number be sure that person understands that it's confidential. If the harassment then switches to that phone, at least you have a list of likely suspects, and can whittle it down accordingly.
What's the score with the law?
If the abuse continues, or you feel threatened in any way, consider handing it to the police. Bring your evidence with you, too (notes/itemised phone bills) and let them make enquires. Malicious or abusive phone calls are a criminal offence, under section 43 of the Telecommunications Act, 1984, and you may have a case with dodgy texts. Alternatively, The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 covers many forms of harassment involving persistent contact that causes distress. For more info, report the problem to your mobile phone service provider. They will have procedures to deal with unwanted texts, and can advise you on the next step.
