Are text messages a form of harassment?

Asked by: Haleigh Bradtke  |  Last update: January 28, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (26 votes)

Yes, texting someone can be harassment, especially if the messages are repeated, unwanted, threatening, sexually explicit, or cause the recipient to feel upset, anxious, or scared, even if they aren't overtly violent. It becomes legally problematic when it's persistent, causes fear or emotional harm, and continues after being asked to stop, potentially leading to charges like cyberstalking or misdemeanor harassment.

What is considered harassment through text messages?

Text harassment involves repeated, unwanted, and offensive messages intended to alarm, annoy, or threaten someone, including threats of harm, obscene content, cyberstalking, or persistent unwanted contact after being told to stop, creating fear or significant emotional distress, and can range from workplace bullying to criminal behavior. What constitutes harassment depends on intent and impact, but generally includes any electronic communication that makes a reasonable person feel threatened, abused, or intimidated. 

What are examples of harassing text messages?

Here are some of the common ways textual abuse can take form.

  • They Ask a Ton of Questions.
  • They Send Indirect (or Overt) Threats.
  • They're Overly Controlling.
  • They Keep Track of Your Location.
  • They Expect You to Be Glued to Your Phone.
  • They Are Accusatory and Jealous.
  • They Insist You Sext.
  • They Feign Vulnerability or Innocence.

How many texts until it's harassment?

There's no magic number of texts for harassment, as it depends on content, frequency, and impact, but generally, repeated, unwanted messages that cause you distress, anxiety, or fear are considered harassment, especially after you've asked them to stop. While a single threatening text can be harassment, multiple, persistent, non-threatening texts can also qualify, with legal definitions often requiring at least two related incidents (a "course of conduct") that a reasonable person would find alarming or distressing. 

What can the police do about harassing texts?

In cases where the police determine that intervention is necessary, they may request telephone records from mobile phone companies to trace the source of the harassing texts and reveal the identity of the antagonist. However, obtaining these records typically requires legal permission, and the process can take time.

Texting turns into harassment

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What evidence do I need for text harassment?

To prove text harassment, you need to gather and organize evidence like screenshots of the entire conversation (including dates/times/numbers), create a timeline of incidents, document requests to stop, and note any threats or escalating behavior, possibly with witness info, to present to authorities or a lawyer. The key is to provide tangible proof, not just allegations, showing a pattern of unwanted communication that causes distress or fear, according to legal sources. 

How many texts are classed as harassment?

There's no magic number of texts for harassment, as it depends on content, frequency, and impact, but generally, repeated, unwanted messages that cause you distress, anxiety, or fear are considered harassment, especially after you've asked them to stop. While a single threatening text can be harassment, multiple, persistent, non-threatening texts can also qualify, with legal definitions often requiring at least two related incidents (a "course of conduct") that a reasonable person would find alarming or distressing. 

Can you press charges on someone who keeps texting you?

The law says that it's illegal for a person to repeatedly send someone texts (or rather electronic communications in general). For your actions to be considered a crime, the person you sent the messages to must have been affected somehow.

What is considered excessive texting?

Excessive texting—especially when it involves demanding to know where someone is, who they are with, and what they are doing—can even be controlling and abusive. If you're in a relationship with someone who texts excessively or aggressively, you may want to distance yourself from them.

Can you sue someone for harassment over text?

Harassing messages sometimes rise to a level at which you can sue a harasser or abuser in civil court. A victim may also have a claim for defamation or libel in connection with Internet misconduct, if the harassing messages were sent to third parties.

What to do when someone harasses you by text?

If online contact with someone makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or harassed, stop responding to them.

  1. Collect evidence. Keep any evidence you have of contact that has made you feel unsafe, uncomfortable or harassed, including: ...
  2. Report the unwanted contact. ...
  3. Stop further contact and tighten security. ...
  4. Get more help.

What are dry texting examples?

Dry text means sending short, low-effort messages that leave little room for the other person to respond. Think of replies like "K," "Ok," "Lol," "Yep," or "Sure" with no follow-up. These messages might be quick to type, but they often leave the conversation stuck or dying out.

Is excessive texting a form of abuse?

Emotional abuse includes non-physical behaviors such as threats, insults, constant monitoring or “checking in,” excessive texting, humiliation, intimidation, isolation, or stalking. Relationships can still be unhealthy or abusive even without physical abuse.

What evidence do you need for harassment?

To prove harassment, you need a detailed log of incidents (dates, times, locations, what happened), supported by tangible evidence like emails, texts, photos, videos, and witness statements, plus documentation of your complaints and the harasser's responses, showing the conduct was unwelcome, severe/pervasive, and based on a protected characteristic (like sex, race, etc.). Medical records showing impact and formal reports to HR/police also significantly strengthen a case. 

How to respond to harassing texts?

Here are some suggestions:

  1. Consider reporting the abuse to social media companies. ...
  2. Let the survivor know that reporting to the police could lead to an investigation to see if the abuser broke any laws.
  3. Keep a record of the harassing and threatening messages.

Is it illegal to text someone without permission?

Key Takeaways. Sending unsolicited text messages to consumers is illegal and can result in significant fines. Businesses must obtain appropriate levels of consent from consumers before sending marketing text messages.

What is the 3 day rule in texting?

The "3 day rule" in texting is a dating guideline suggesting you wait three days after getting a number or first date to initiate contact, aiming to appear less needy and gauge the other person's interest, though many modern daters find it outdated, preferring quicker contact or even texting on the same day to build momentum, as waiting too long risks losing connection in the fast-paced digital dating world.
 

Is constant texting harassment?

The short answer is yes. When you keep sending repeated text messages, it can count as harassment. Keep in mind, though, that there are some exceptions. For instance, a friend of yours asking if you're okay may send repeated messages if you're not answering.

What is the most emotionally triggering text message?

A study has confirmed what we knew all along: the most emotionally triggering text message that you can send someone is “K”.

Do police take text harassment seriously?

In an age when nearly every conversation leaves a digital trace, a single message can carry serious legal consequences. Many people assume texting is casual or private, but Texas law doesn't treat it that way. When a text message crosses into a threat, harassment, or solicitation, it can trigger criminal charges.

Do text messages hold up in court?

Yes, text messages absolutely hold up in court and are common digital evidence, but they must be authenticated (proven genuine and unaltered), relevant to the case, and legally obtained, with courts often preferring original data over potentially edited screenshots to ensure accuracy and context. Deleted messages can often be recovered, making evidence tampering difficult, and require proper legal process like warrants for access. 

What is the punishment for text harassment?

So, texting you repeatedly, or threatening you via text message can be considered harassment under the law. Harassment may be a Summary Offense or a Misdemeanor 3, depending on how it is charged. A 3rd degree misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of a year in jail.

What is an example of a harassing text message?

Examples: Calling you offensive names, belittling your appearance or intelligence, making derogatory comments about your race, religion, or sexual orientation. Threats of Harm: Messages that threaten physical violence, sexual assault, or harm to your property, family, or loved ones.

How many times can someone text you before its harassment?

Determining when repeated messages cross legal boundaries and proving intent to harass. Harassment via text depends on frequency, content, and context rather than a fixed number. Courts assess if messages cause substantial emotional distress or fear.

Can you sue for text harassment?

Harassment and Discrimination: If text messages are harassing (especially sexual harassment) or discriminatory, they may support a lawsuit under anti-harassment and anti-discrimination laws.