CYBER CRIME: THE ROLE OF PARENTS IN AIDING AND ABETTING THEIR WARDS (A STUDY OF IJEBU- ODE, OGUN STATE)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

The Internet offers a platform for recurrent and prolonged victimisation of children, therefore enduring for an extended period of time, frequently without the victim's knowledge. The geographical whereabouts of a minor are not a paramount consideration for people who perpetrate cybercrimes over the Internet. In many instances, individuals involved in Cybercrime undertake extensive journeys across several states and countries to engage in sexual activities with minors they encountered on the Internet (U.S. Department of Justice, 2021). A majority of those who fall victim to Internet crimes may lack awareness of their victimhood and may choose not to reveal their incident. Undoubtedly, the internet and mobile communications have become an integral aspect of the everyday lives of many individuals, including children (UNICEF, 2016). Computing integration encompasses a wide range of technologies, including but not limited to internet, mobile phone, computer integrated manufacturing, and e-technology (Katalinic, 2010). A study conducted in 2012 revealed that 62% of older elementary school children and 84% of high school students were exposed to online dangers (Popadic & Kuzmanovic, 2013). Therefore, the Internet has the potential to represent a hazardous environment for youngsters. Internet-related hazards for children are becoming more varied and common on a global scale (Ljubojev et al., 2017). Furthermore, Ljubojev et al. (2017) emphasised that parents play a crucial role in the education of children. Therefore, parents should be cognisant of their children's online behaviour to guarantee that their use is only advantageous for their children.A crucial determinant in comprehending the participation of young people in cyber crime is the influence of parents inside the family environment. During childhood and adolescence, the family unit plays a crucial role as the main socialising agent, influencing people' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours (Agnew, 2006). Scholars in the fields of criminology and sociology have extensively acknowledged the impact of family dynamics on several types of delinquent conduct, including conventional criminal activities like stealing and vandalism (Hirschi, 1969). Nevertheless, with the rising digitisation of society, there is an increasing acknowledgement of the need to analyse the mechanisms via which family elements influence the involvement of young individuals in cyber crime. The available research indicates that parental supervision, monitoring, and support are essential factors in influencing children's online conduct and reducing the likelihood of being victimised by cyber threats (Livingstone et al., 2017). However, there is a limited number of research that have investigated the reverse correlation - the degree to which parents may unintentionally support or contribute to their children's participation in cyber criminal activities. Notwithstanding anecdotal evidence and occasional media coverage that emphasise instances of parental involvement in adolescent cyber crime, there is a lack of comprehensive study on this subject. Moreover, the fast advancement of technology poses distinct difficulties for parents in comprehending and controlling their children's internet behaviour. A significant number of parents have difficulties in staying up-to-date with the emerging digital trends, platforms, and dangers, resulting in deficiencies in their understanding and awareness of possible hazards (Patchin & Hinduja, 2018). Moreover, the widespread presence of digital gadgets and the growing independence given to children in exploring online environments add complexity to parental supervision endeavours (Rideout & Robb, 2019). Therefore, the researcher examine Cyber Crime: the role of parents in aiding and abetting their wards (a Study Of ijebu- Ode, Ogun State).

1.2 Statement of the problem

Particularly among Nigerian students residing in the south-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria, cybercrime seems to be a prevalent activity. The aforementioned behaviour is linked to evident social issues, including poverty (Rideout & Robb, 2019). Moreover, the frequency of cybercrime tarnishes a country's reputation among the international community. Additionally, it might jeopardise the security and economic well-being of a country. There is a growing trend among students to engage in fraudulent activities against both public and commercial institutions, as well as their peers, therefore compromising their academic endeavours. If this aberration persists, schools in Nigeria will transform into a breeding ground for criminals who would fraudulently exploit the school administration and society as a whole. The increasing prevalence of cyber crime committed by young individuals has emerged as a significant issue for law enforcement agencies, educators, and legislators on a global scale in recent years (Rideout & Robb, 2019). Although there are many explanations for the participation of young people in cyber criminal activities, the extent to which parents either assist or hinder such behaviours is not well recognised. Notwithstanding the widespread study on the impact of family dynamics on teenage behaviour, there is a significant deficiency in the literature about the precise involvement of parents in enabling their children to participate in cyber crime. Hence, the study examine Cyber Crime: the role of parents in aiding and abetting their wards (a Study Of Ijebu- Ode, Ogun State).

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to examine Cyber Crime: the role of parents in aiding and abetting their wards (a Study Of ijebu- Ode, Ogun State). The specific objectives is as follows

To investigate the prevalence of cyber criminal activities perpetrated by juveniles in Ijebu- Ode,  Ogun State.

To examine the extent to which parents are aware of their children's online activities in Ijebu- Ode, Ogun State.

To assess the role of parents in aiding and abetting their wards engaement in cyber crime

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

What is the prevalence of cyber criminal activities perpetrated by juveniles in Ijebu- Ode,  Ogun State?

What is the extent to which parents are aware of their children's online activities in Ijebu- Ode, Ogun State?

What is the role of parents in aiding and abetting their wards engaement in cyber crime?

1.5 Significance of the study

Informing Parental Guidance Programs: findings of the study will be significant to parents becaues understanding the factors that contribute to parental facilitation of juvenile cyber crime can inform the design and implementation of parental guidance programs. By revealling gaps in parental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to online safety, interventions can be tailored to address specific areas of concern and equip parents with the necessary skills and resources to effectively supervise and monitor their children's online activities.

Enhancing Digital Literacy Initiatives: The study's findings can inform efforts to enhance digital literacy initiatives aimed at both parents and children. By raising awareness of the risks associated with cyber crime and providing guidance on safe and responsible online behaviors, these initiatives can empower families to navigate the digital landscape more effectively and reduce the likelihood of children engaging in criminal activities online.

Academia: the study will be beneficial to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focuses on Cyber Crime: the role of parents in aiding and abetting their wards (a Study Of ijebu- Ode, Ogun State). Hence, the study will investigate the prevalence of cyber criminal activities perpetrated by juveniles in Ijebu- Ode,  Ogun State, examine the extent to which parents are aware of their children's online activities in Ijebu- Ode, Ogun State and assess the role of parents in aiding and abetting their wards engaement in cyber crime. 

Geographically, the study is delimited to  Ijebu- Ode, Ogun State.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are: 

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Cyber Crime: Refers to criminal activities carried out using digital technologies or the internet, including but not limited to hacking, phishing, identity theft, cyberbullying, online fraud, and the dissemination of malware or illegal content.

Juvenile: In the context of this study, refers to individuals who are under the legal adult age, typically defined as individuals below 18 years old, although this may vary by jurisdiction.

Parents: Refers to biological or legal guardians who have primary responsibility for the care, upbringing, and supervision of their children.

Aiding and Abetting: In the context of this study, refers to actions or behaviors by parents that directly or indirectly facilitate, enable, or condone their children's involvement in cyber criminal activities.

Digital Literacy: The ability to access, understand, evaluate, and apply information using digital technologies. In the context of this study, digital literacy encompasses knowledge and skills related to online safety, privacy protection, and responsible digital citizenship.

Parental Supervision: Refers to the extent to which parents monitor, regulate, and oversee their children's activities, including their online behavior and internet usage.

Parental Control Tools: Software or hardware-based tools designed to assist parents in managing and regulating their children's access to digital devices and online content, often including features such as content filtering, time restrictions, and activity monitoring.

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