Imagine getting up for the day, getting ready for school and not knowing if today will be the day it goes too far, or it stops altogether. According to The Network of Victim Assault, approximately 6.6 million people are stalked in the United States alone, so if a situation may be rising; there is many people in the same boat. Every situation is different, but here are some tips on how to recognize and end the situation.

If someone is approaching or contacting one frequently after being told not to, it could be a stalker. Messages on social media can trick one into a trapped situation, and with the use of social media rising, it’s hard to leave little to no footprint of what went on during the day.

Blocking the person on social media is the best way to go, with the stalker not being able to contact their victim, an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ situation comes into play. Turning social media profiles onto a private setting is another helpful way to avoid unwanted guests. When a profile is set to private, the user has to physically permit each person to see their posts, eliminating any possible internet offenders.

“The only way someone can feel safe and secure is if the stalker is blocked,”  junior Annie Freeman said.

It might seem too much, but if the circumstances become dangerous, involving the authorities is always an option. Getting official documents of what happened can help in the long run if things get physical. Involving the school can only help the chances of getting away from an in-school stalker. Switching classes around can get the stalker to realize the seriousness of the situation, and the extent that the victim is willing to go to get away from the person. In some cases, authorities can arrange a restraining order on the stalker, and if broken, fines and jail time can be served.

“I think involving the school in a bad situation such as stalking is good because it can give you the peace of mind you may need,” junior Grace Roberts said. “It can also let you feel like you’re not entirely alone in the situation.”

Reaching out can better the situation; talking to a friend can let off some bottled up emotions.

“From the police perspective, again it varies a lot but if you’re at school and its occurring you need to go to the school,” Antioch Police Department Officer Nick Garcia said. “If you’re not at school, then it’s the police.”

Sometimes immediate help is needed. Stalkers in the 21st century can be prevented with diligent action. If unsure about a stalker situation, tell others, get an opinion, then decide if telling the authorities is needed. can only help the chances of getting away from an in-school stalker.

Gallery • 4 Photos

Kat Zamudio