Full Breakdown
Young People Face High Stalking Risk Yet Often Miss the Signs
7/17/2026, 1:32:36 AM
Core Findings on Youth Stalking Risk
The Crime Survey for England and Wales reports that around 1.4 million people aged 16 and over experienced stalking in the year ending March 2025. Research with 84 young people aged 16-24 in workshops across Wales found that while many could name individual stalking behaviours, their overall picture of stalking was often incomplete. Participants recognized actions such as following someone, creating fake social-media accounts, monitoring online activity, taking photographs without consent, repeatedly contacting a person, or refusing to leave them alone.
Misconceptions About Who Stalks
When asked to imagine a stalker, most young respondents pictured a stranger—a “creepy” figure, a sex offender, a “paedo,” or a man lurking in a dark alley. Far fewer identified current or former partners, acquaintances, or people already known to the victim as typical perpetrators. This aligns with evidence that popular culture portrays stalkers as mysterious strangers, while in reality stalking frequently involves people the victim sees daily, such as classmates.
Education Gaps and Desired Responses
A majority of participants reported little or no formal education on stalking, despite being in one of the age groups most at risk. They called for multiform education—both digital and in-person—that explains what stalking is, how it differs from other harmful behaviour, and where to obtain help. The authors argue that conversations about relationships and safety should integrate stalking alongside coercive control, consent, and online safety, rather than treating it as an adult-only issue.
Barriers to Help-Seeking
Young people expressed uncertainty about seeking help, doubting whether talking to someone would make a difference and lacking awareness of specialist services. The study notes a general lack of confidence among teachers, youth workers, university staff, police officers, parents, and carers to recognise stalking and respond appropriately.
Implications for Prevention
Recognising early signs, understanding the evolving digital tactics of stalking, and listening to young people’s experiences are essential for prevention. The article emphasizes that society cannot wait until victims experience stalking before addressing it, and that coordinated education and clearer terminology are needed to keep pace with the reality faced by young people.
