juvenile Stalking
Juvenile Stalking
The CDC (2022) reports that 23.6% female stalking victims, and 19.1% of male victims was stalked before they turned 18yr. However, these statistics do not discern who was stalked by a peer or an adult; they also do not clarify whether victims were primary or secondary victims. According to Mullen, et al. (2009) it is more "common" for children to be victims of adult stalkers in the context of adult stalking as a secondary victim, while this can still cause irreparable harm. However, as cyberstalking continue to change, there may be a shift in this pattern. According to research identified by Mullen, et al. (2009) while there are similarities between adult and juvenile stalkers there are important differences both among perpetrators as well as their victims. There are higher levels of threats and violence, likely due to lower levels of impulse control. Recent research suggests there are more female stalkers in juvenile community samples, who participate in more retaliation and bullying with same-gender victims (Mullen, et al., 2009). These stalkers also use cyberstalking tactics, engage is rumor spreading, and enlist stalking-by-proxy.
this is the scariest thing that has ever happened in my life[....] when you meet a guy that you like and who likes you, you don't expect to end up like this. you figure if you break up and it's a really bad break, you'll just hate each other or something. you don't expect him to go nuts over it.
Gross, 2012, p. 147
Juvenile Stalking: Impacts and Responses
Mental and physical health
Mullen, et al. (2009) identify a range of adverse impacts on juvenile victims of stalking. Not unlike adult victims, many worry they will "make good" on their threats, causing high levels of anxiety and fear (p. 130). Juvenile victims experience severe depression, weight loss/gain, hair-loss, and report suicidal ideation, and can require hospitalization.
Academic performance
Juvenile victims may experience absenteeism, a decline in school performance, particularly if they go to the same school as their stalker. Their sleeping and concentration may be impacted. They may lose associated opportunities such as scholarships, and may experience associated bullying from peers associated with the stalking.
Parents
Parents may experience similar levels of distress on their childs' behalf or due to secondary victimizations. They may also be required to take time off due to court proceedings or school appointments. If stalking proceeds parents may be required to relocate or move their child to another school, at their own expense.
Teachers and administration
Teachers and administration may either be unable to or unwilling to intercede. They may not be able to discern between bullying and stalking, additionally, when a juvenile comes from another school they may have fewer resources to address the problem.
Courts and mental health
There are few resources to address juvenile stalking. Most often it is mislabeled as bullying, until the incident becomes violent or damage is done.
Advising Juvenile victims
Many juvenile victims may not understand, or want to, follow the advice to stop all contact. Acknowledging the stalker negatively can encourage them, provoking and reinforcing the behavior. A suggestion provided by Mullen, et al. (2009) has been to collaborate with juvenile victims. If they are unable to refrain from communication, they can nod or use hand gestures.
