Young people

Txtual Abuse

Text messaging is the easy way to talk to your friends, enter competitions, get updates on news or sport and even ask someone out. It is also an easy way for people to insult, harass or abuse people, should they wish to.

The nature of texting means that there is no face to face confrontation. You may find people texting things they would not dare say to your face. It is helpful to remember that people who send horrible text messages are being cowardly, like all types of bullying it is the bully who has the problem.

The law suggests that sending an abusive SMS is serious. Text messages can now be used as evidence by the police to prove harassment has taken place.

Getting an abusive text message can be upsetting. So what should you do if you get one?

Do not reply to the message.

Do not delete the message.

Report the message to the police or to your mobile phone company.

Going to the police over an SMS may seem a bit excessive, but really it isn't. The police are very aware of this type of crime and will be very happy to help you with your problem. Your mobile phone company will also be able to help, they may be able to give you a new number free of charge.



If the texts keep arriving in your in box, there are some ways in which you can deter the sender:

Consider using a land line phone for a while. By not having your mobile on you the text-er might get frustrated and give up.

Change your phone, network or number or, get a second mobile.

Only give your number out to a few people and make sure they keep the number to themselves. Keep a record of who you have given the number to (or phoned, since your number could get stored in the receiver's phone) – if you get more abusive texts you can tell who may have sent it.