Victimization of Minors by Cyber Harassment and Routine Activities in Cyberspace

• In Event: Theoretical Approaches to Cyber Crime

Abstract

The rise in information and communication technologies, together with the distinctive features of the new intercommunication space we call cyberspace, have allowed old forms of attacks on minors to be carried out in this environment as well. The objective of this empirical research is to determine rates of victimization by cyber harassment among minors and identify which risk factors are associated with this form of victimization. The starting hypothesis is based on adaptation of crime opportunity theories to cyberspace, with the assumption that minors may facilitate their own victimization by engaging in certain risky behaviors.

To carry out the research, a sample of 2038 students between the ages of 12 and 18 was obtained from a random selection of secondary schools in the province of Alicante. The instrument used to collect the data is an ad hoc victimization survey that allows us to learn rates of victimization as well as students’ routine activities on the Internet. With the creation of a statistical model, results are obtained which show that minors facilitate their victimization by voluntarily introducing personal goods into cyberspace, engaging in particular risky practices in interacting with others, and not adopting protection strategies.

Authors

• Fernando Miro, University Miguel Hernandez

• Natalia García, Miguel Hernandez University

• Elena Fernandez, Miguel Hernandez University