Policy Solutions for Juvenile Cyber-Deviant Behaviors: Insights from Criminological Theory

Author

Holly Verity WilliamsFollow

Date of Award

5-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Policy Studies

Committee Chair/Advisor

Laura Olson

Committee Member

Bryan Miller

Committee Member

Matthew Costello

Committee Member

Rhys Hester

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to develop a deeper understanding of online deviance as a phenomenon among juveniles, both in terms of engagement and victimization, by applying Attachment Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Self-Control Theory. Throughout the literature, Attachment Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Self-Control Theory have been attributed as key criminological theories in the explanation of juvenile deviance offline, but little research has been applied to online deviance in this way. This thesis seeks to apply the same criminological theories to the phenomenon of online deviance among juveniles and compare outcomes to both online and offline deviance among this population to inform policy of the nuances related to engagement in these types of juvenile deviance. Using a quasi-mixed-method approach through the deployment of an embedded survey design, the study takes a grounded theory approach to ask if there is a correlation between online and offline engagement in deviant behaviors, whether low self-control, attachments, or social learning influence engagement in deviant behavior online, and what motivates juveniles to increase or decrease their engagement in online deviance.The studyfinds that engagement in online deviance is significantly more common than engagement in offline deviance, and as a result, the thesis aims to inform educational policy to provide the basis for updated programming aimed at the reduction of engagement in online deviance among juveniles. The significance of this study is that it develops existing theoretical understanding of the reasons for engagement in juvenile deviance, both online and offline to allow the outcomes to inform future policy or academic ventures that seek to correct behaviors related to juvenile deviance within the K-12 system.

Recommended Citation

Williams, Holly Verity, "Policy Solutions for Juvenile Cyber-Deviant Behaviors: Insights from Criminological Theory" (2024). All Dissertations. 3639.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/3639