Digital Behaviors and Virtual Crime: A Cybercrime Model Among Teenagers

Young people's increased use of technology has made them more susceptible to cybercrime risks like exposure to illicit content, online harassment, and hacking interests. This study looks into how teenagers behave online and offers a draft prevention framework that aims to lower cybercrime by educating people about cybersecurity. 101 young people between the ages of 12 and 18 participated in a quantitative survey that assessed their online behaviors, experiences with cyberbullying, interest in hacking, exposure to drug-related content, and involvement in cybersecurity education. According to the findings, 46% of teenagers spend more than four hours a day online, 40% say they are interested in or involved in hacking, and 28% have seen content about drugs online. However, just 39.6% had a formal education in cybersecurity. To show how vulnerable teenagers are to cybercrime, the proposed Adolescent Cybercrime Risk Model (ACRM) combines psychological factors, digital exposure, and preventative education. The results highlight how urgently organized, classroom-based cybersecurity education is needed to reduce online threats and promote young people's responsible digital citizenship.