EVALUATION ON YOUTH CYBER CRIME AND THE ROLE OF PARENTS (A STUDY OF EDO STATE)

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION Background to the Study The rise of digital technology has transformed various aspects of human interaction, commerce, and education. However, this advancement has also led to the proliferation of cybercrime, with youth becoming increasingly involved in illegal online activities. Cybercrime encompasses a wide range of illicit activities, including hacking, identity theft, cyber fraud, and cyberbullying. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), over 70% of Nigerian youth have access to the internet, making them vulnerable to both being victims and perpetrators of cyber-related offenses (NCC, 2022). Parental influence plays a critical role in shaping the behavioral patterns of young individuals, including their engagement with digital technology. Parents serve as primary agents of socialization, guiding their children on ethical and moral standards. However, the lack of parental supervision, digital illiteracy, and weak family structures have contributed to the increase in youth cybercrime. Studies suggest that inadequate parental guidance correlates with a higher tendency for youth involvement in fraudulent online activities. Furthermore, the anonymity of digital platforms and the perceived financial gains from cybercrime often lure young individuals into illicit activities, exacerbating the issue. Given these concerns, this study seeks to examine the role of parents in curbing cyber-related offenses among youth. This study seeks to explore the role of parents in curbing cyber-related offenses among young individuals. Understanding the parental factors contributing to youth cybercrime will provide insights into preventive measures that can mitigate the rise of these illegal activities. Statement of Problem Youth involvement in cybercrime is a growing concern in Nigeria, particularly in urban centers like Obio/Akpor LGA. Despite legal frameworks and awareness campaigns, many young individuals still engage in cyber-related offenses, including internet fraud, hacking, and cyberbullying. Many parents lack digital literacy, making it difficult for them to monitor and control their children's online activities. Additionally, economic pressures often lead to parents neglecting their supervisory responsibilities, thereby creating an environment where youth can engage in cybercrime unchecked. Several studies have attributed this trend to peer influence, economic hardship, and the glamorization of cyber fraud. However, there is limited research on the role of parents in either preventing or inadvertently encouraging youth cybercrime. This study seeks to bridge this research gap by examining how parental influence, digital literacy, and supervision impact youth involvement in cybercrime in Obio/Akpor LGA. Purpose of the Study This study aims to: i. Examine the extent of youth involvement in cybercrime in Obio/Akpor LGA. ii. Assess the influence of parental supervision on youth cybercrime activities. iii. Investigate the impact of parental digital literacy on youth engagement in cyber-related offenses. iv. Explore the impact of parental monitoring on youth engagement in cyber-related offenses. v. Identify strategies parents can adopt to prevent youth involvement in cybercrime. Research Questions i. To what extent are youth in Obio/Akpor LGA involved in cybercrime? ii. How does parental supervision influence youth engagement in cyber-related offenses? iii. What is the impact of parental digital literacy and youth cybercrime activities? iv. How does parental monitoring impact youth engagement in cyber-related offenses? v. What preventive measures can parents adopt to curb youth cybercrime in Obio/Akpor LGA? Research Hypotheses H₀₁: There is no significant relationship between parental supervision and youth involvement in cybercrime. H₀₂: Parental digital literacy does not significantly influence youth engagement in cyber-related offenses. H₀₃: There is no significant impact of parental monitoring strategies on reducing youth cybercrime. Significance of the Study This study will be significant as it highlights the crucial role of parental supervision and digital literacy in preventing youth involvement in cybercrime. For parents, the findings will emphasize the need for active monitoring and guidance of their children’s online activities to mitigate exposure to cybercriminal influences. Educators and policymakers will benefit from the study by gaining insights into how parental involvement can be integrated into school curricula and national policies to promote responsible digital behavior. Law enforcement agencies will find the study useful in designing targeted intervention programs that address the root causes of cybercrime among youth, incorporating parental engagement as a preventive measure. Moreover, the study will contribute to raising awareness among young individuals about the risks and legal consequences of cybercrime, encouraging ethical digital practices. Ultimately, this research will serve as a foundation for future studies on the intersection of parenting, digital literacy, and cybercrime prevention in Nigeria. Delimitation of the Study This study will be confined to youth and parents residing in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. In content, it will specifically examine the relationship between parental supervision, digital literacy, and youth involvement in cybercrime. The research will focus on how parental monitoring and technological awareness influence the likelihood of young individuals engaging in cyber-related offenses such as hacking, identity theft, and internet fraud. This study will not extend to other geographical areas, nor will it explore broader forms of juvenile delinquency beyond cybercrime. Definition of Terms Cybercrime: Cybercrime are illegal activities carried out using computers, mobile devices, or the internet, including but not limited to hacking, identity theft, online fraud, cyberbullying, and other forms of digital exploitation. Parental Supervision: This is active involvement of parents in overseeing, guiding, and regulating their children's activities, particularly in the digital space, to ensure responsible internet use and prevent exposure to cyber threats. Youth: These are individuals between the ages of 18 and 35, as categorized by Nigeria’s National Youth Policy, who are in a critical stage of personal and professional development and are often more exposed to digital interactions.