Internet crime as a threat to children and adolescents

Abstract

Universal access to the Internet - whose role in society in the last few years has become significant - enables the development of almost every field of life. It can be a tool for acquiring new knowledge or entertainment. However, the specificity of the Internet is also associated with certain risks. The purpose of this article is to identify these types of threats in relation to groups of children and young people. Research shows that Internet use may be associated with negative experiences, such as cyberstalking, cyberbullying or instigation to commit a crime. These phenomena can be a serious threat to people who are not fully aware of the risks associated with the use of the network. Experiencing them carries a serious threat to the mental health and integrity of the young person. For this reason, it is important to expand knowledge in the field of online crime, so that it is possible to identify such events early and prevent their consequences.