Adolescent Victimization and Delinquency in Mexico and Spain: A Comparative Analysis Based on an Online Panel

• In Event: ISRD Panel 5: Internet surveys of adolescent delinquency and victimization: Methodological and Substantive Findings from the International Self-Report Delinquency Project (ISRD4)

Abstract

Self-reporting is one of the primary methods for data collection in criminology, recognized for its scientific advantages over alternative approaches. However, its application in adolescent research faces significant limitations, particularly in obtaining representative samples. These challenges have intensified in recent years, even within educational settings, restricting access to critical information about young people’s experiences with crime and victimization.
In response to these challenges, this study analyzes the results obtained through the implementation of a streamlined version of the ISRD-4 survey on a sample of young individuals aged 16 to 19 in Mexico and Spain. Data collection was conducted online using the same survey company in both countries, which employed an online panel to recruit participants, and the same stratification criteria (sex and age) to ensure methodological consistency.
The comparison between these two countries is particularly relevant for two key reasons. First, there are stark differences in young people's exposure to violence: while Mexico experiences high levels of violence, Spain has relatively low rates. Second, there are notable disparities in internet access and usage, which may influence the composition of the samples.
This study examines self-reported data on victimization and criminal behavior, covering a range of offenses occurring in both physical and digital environments. The findings are then analyzed to explore the potential influence of socioeconomic and cultural factors on the observed patterns, as well as the possible biases introduced by using online panels to study these phenomena in distinct structural contexts.

Authors

• Áurea Esther Grijalva Eternod, University of Guadalajara, Mexico

• Esther Fernandez Molina, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha

• Raquel Bartolomé Gutiérrez, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha