Internet Use and Cybercrime Exposure of Public Secondary School Students in a Nigerian State Capital

Abstract

The Internet is one of the most indispensable tools in the present Information Age. It has positively transformed the way the world operates, however, it has also provided a means by which cybercrimes are perpetuated. As people use the Internet, they also become more susceptible to Internet risk. A number of previous studies have reported adolescents’ susceptibility and coping skills within and outside Nigeria. There is however, a dearth of information on cybercrime vulnerability and exposure among adolescents in Osun State, Nigeria. This present study adapts the Routine Activity Theory to investigate the cybercrime exposure of secondary school students in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, Nigeria. This study adopted a survey research method. The study revealed considerable levels of cybercrime exposure among public senior secondary school students in Osogbo. It was recommended amongst others that the students should be enlightened on positive use of the Internet in order to militate against harm by cybercrime perpetrators.