Young Peoples conduct - correlation between cybercrime and peer pressure
An investigation on pupils in high and middle school level has provided some unexpected insights into cybercrime. It was discovered that two significant contributing factors that cause young adults to engage in cybercrime among the aforementioned groups are the pressure coming from peers as well as self control. This research was conducted by the assistant professor of criminal justice at the Michigan state university; Thomas Holt. Prof Holt was aided by Adam Bossler who principally works at the Georgia southern university, as well as another individual from the eastern Kentucky university; David May. This was the very first recorded investigation cantered on cybercrime in adolescent learners.
Among the discoveries of the study was the discovery that young children have a higher probability of performing cybercrimes if their friends are also engaged in cybercrimes. There are many different variations of cybercrime such as: the viewing of explicit adult content online, transmitting of harassing messages though sms or electronic mail, hacking of computers, the unauthorised download of media such as music and cyber bullying.
The lack of self control has been shown to be an additional factor that can affect a child's likelihood to join in cybercrime. This is markedly more applicable to kids whose guardians or parents do not monitor their online activities vigilantly. Due to their tender age, kids are more impulsive and reckless, hence they have the willingness to act on their impulses should the chance to do so present itself.
Computer software is readily available that can assist in monitoring the online activities of children and young adults, but is not effective because kids are able to circumvent the software.
As a result of the above, parents are encouraged by researchers to increase their vigilance when dealing with their kids online endeavours. Parents should certainly be highly knowledgeable of what activities their children engage in when they access the internet, in addition to having knowledge of their kid's associates both on and off the internet. A greater level of awareness and the instruction of kids on what is legal or otherwise is vital.
