Guardianship in Cyberspace

• In Event: Crime and Place: Guardianship in Cyberspace

Abstract

This study presents the first empirical analysis of guardianship against abuse in cyberspace. Using a representative sample of the Australian adult users of the Internet and social media (n = 650), the study provides the first estimate of the frequency of cyber abuse victimisation in Australia. Building upon the existing body of knowledge about active guardianship processes in the real world, this study extends our understanding of how these processes operate in the unique setting of cyber space. To collect information about cyber guardians and cyber abuse events witnessed by the guardians, an online survey of adult Australian residents was conducted using the Survey Monkey platform. Results showed that contextual awareness in the form of computer competency, awareness of anti-cyber abuse policies and prior cyber abuse victimisation were predictive of witnessing and intervening in the events of cyber abuse. The study suggests “space” managers and supercontrollers have a pivotal role to place in helping to control these incidents by increasing guardians’ awareness of cyberspace and cyber abuse. Based on the empirical results, the study makes several practical recommendations on how crime prevention efforts could be boosted in cyberspace.

Authors

• Zarina Vakhitova, Griffith University

• Danielle Reynald, Griffith University