Pathways Into and Out of Youth Cybercrime: Research Findings and Reflections for Academics, Professionals and Policymakers

This book provides a multi-disciplinary understanding of pathways into and out of youth cybercrime, and evidence-led ways to tackle the cybercrime epidemic, drawing on theoretical perspectives and insights from the largest European H2020 study of youth cybercrime undertaken to date.

As societies are incorporating cyberspace into daily routines, people are increasingly at risk of exposure to cybercriminal activity. Many young people today are never truly offline; there is no dichotomy of being online and offline. This exposure - coupled with the criminogenic potential of digital technology - has led to an explosion of cybercrime perpetration and victimisation; impacting youth in particular. This book seeks to address critical gaps in knowledge, support evidence-based interventions, and inform future digital safety and prevention strategies by bringing together research, policy discussions, and the voices of experts, convicted cybercriminals, and young people. It draws upon key theoretical perspectives and new research conducted in the context of a H2020 project exploring the drivers of cybercrime. It is underpinned by the voices of the youth, experts and convicted cybercriminals who took part, whose perspectives are key to shaping evidence-led recommendations for policy and practice.

This book is intended for academics, frontline professionals, policymakers, child protection professionals, law enforcement, and technology developers committed to creating safer digital environments for children and young people.