THE EFFECT OF ICT ON JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IN URBAN AREAS IN ANAMBRA STATE (A STUDY OF AWKA SOUTH LGA)

ABSTRACT:This study examined the influence of ICT in encouraging juvenile delinquency behavior among juveniles in urban areas in Anambra State with particular reference to Awka South L.G.A. Delinquent acts in Awka South LGA caused by ICT can be linked to but not limited to the following; the use of cell phones and unrestricted access to internet, emergence of new ICT technologies, unsupervised television watching, viewing of pornographic images, exposure to computer cyber crime and cyber crime related activities. The Differential Association Theory, Social Learning Theory and Social Control Theory were reviewed in the study, while Social Learning theory was adopted as the theoretical framework. The sample size of the study was 200 participants selected through multi stage sampling technique which involves the simple random sampling technique, while purpose sampling technique was used for the selection of IDI participants. Questionnaire schedule and In-Depth interview guide were the instruments used for data collection. The findings from the questionnaires were manually analysed using frequency tables and simple percentage; qualitative data from the In-depth interviews were analyzed using manual content analysis, while the study hypotheses was tested using Chi-square () inferential statistic. The findings indicated that there is a significant relationship between the use of mobile phones and delinquent acts among juveniles in Awka South LGA. There was also a significant relationship between the use of the internet and increasing cases of juvenile delinquency in Awka South LGA. The researcher recommended that parents and grownups should monitor juveniles usage of ICT gadgets to ensure they appropriately used. The home computer should be located in a public area such as living room to enable public supervision of Internet use; parents should give encouragement for their children to participate in other creative activities beyond computer use. It was also recommended that Legislation should be enacted to restrict juvenile’s access to certain websites and social networks.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page ……………………………………………………………………………………..i

Certification ………………………………………………………………………………….ii

Approval ……………………………………………………………………………………..iii

Dedication ……………………………………………………………………………………iv

Acknowledgement …………………………………………………………………………vi

Abstract ……………………………………………………………………………………….vii

Table of contents …………………………………………………………………………..viii

List of Tables…………………………………………………………..

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION                                                   1

1.0 Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………1

1.1 Background of the study…………………………………………………………………1

1.2 Statement of the problem………………………………………………………………..8

1.3 Research Questions ……………………………………………………………………..11

1.4 Objectives of the study …………………………………………………………………12

1.5 Significance of the Study ……………………………………………………………..13

1.6 Definition of Terms………………………………………………………………………15

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF THEORETICAL LITERATURE     18

2.1 Conceptual Issues/Review of Theoretical Literature…………………….18

2.2 Review of Empirical Literature ……………………………………………………..29

2.3. Review of Theories……………………………………………………47

2.4 Theoretical Framework…………………………………………………………………52

2.5 Study Hypotheses………………………………………………………………………..53

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.1 Design of the Study………………………………………………………………..54

3.2. Area of study………………………………………………………………………………54

3.3 Population of the Study ………………………………………………………………..57

3.4 Scope of the Study ……………………………………………………………………….57

3.5 Sample Size………. …………………………………………………………………….58

3.6 Sampling Technique …………………………………………………………………….59

3.7 Instruments of Data Collection…………………………………………………61

3.8 Administration of Instruments    ……………………………………………………62

3.9 Methods of Data Analysis……………………………………………………………..63

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS          64

4.1 Personal Data of Respondents …………………………………………………….64

4.2 Analysis of Research Questions……………………………………………………67

4.3 Test of Hypotheses………………………………………………………………………94

4.4 Discussion of Findings ………………………………………………………………..97

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS                                                                    101

5.1 Summary of Findings…………………………………………………………………101

5.2 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………….102

5.3 Recommendations……………………………………………………………………..103

References……………………………………………………………………………..105

Appendix I (Questionnaire) ……………………………………………….109

Appendix11 (In-depth Interview (IDI) Guide) ………………………114

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Distribution of Respondents Socio-Demographic Characteristics Variables

Table 2: Distribution of respondents on extent to which the use of mobile phones influences delinquent acts amongst juveniles in Awka South LGA

Table 3: Distribution of respondents by their opinion on what juveniles normally use their mobile phones for

Table 4: Distribution of respondents by their opinion on the perceived effects of regular use of mobile phone by juveniles

Table 5 Distribution of respondents by their view on if the use of Internet has led to an increase in Juvenile Delinquency in Awka South LGA.

Table 6: Distribution of respondents by their opinion on nefarious/delinquent activities juveniles normally commit with the use of internet

Table 7: Distribution of respondents by their opinion on whether juveniles in Awka South LGA has unrestricted access to internet facilities

Table 8: Distribution of respondents by their view on if television programs on cable networks influences delinquent behavior amongst juveniles in Awka South LGA

Table 9: Distribution of respondents by their opinion on the effect of constant and regular watching of violent and uncensored Television programmes by juveniles

Table 10: Distribution of respondents by their view on whether violent video games also influences delinquent acts by encouraging aggressive tendencies amongst juveniles

Table 11: Distribution of respondents by their opinion on how often juveniles watch television programs on cables network and play video games

Table 12: Distribution of respondents by their opinion on if increasing use of computers and computer software has influenced delinquent acts amongst juveniles

Table 13: Distribution of respondents by their opinion on delinquent acts committed through the use of computers by juveniles

Table 14: Distribution of respondents by their opinion on the results of computer hacking by delinquents

Table 15: Distribution of respondents by their opinion on whether there are measures that could be put in place to reduce the negative impact of ICT on Juvenile delinquency

Table 16: Distribution of respondents by their opinion on factors militating against the effective implementation of measures to reduce the negative impact of ICT on juvenile delinquency

Table 17: Distribution of respondents by their opinion on policy options that could be put in place to reduce the negative impact of ICT on Juveniles

Table 19: There is a significant relationship between the use of mobile phones and delinquent acts amongst juveniles in Awka South LGA

Table 20: There is a significant relationship between the use of the internet and increasing cases of juvenile delinquency in Awka South LGA

An Overview of The Effect of ICT on Juvenile Delinquency in Urban Areas in Anambra State (A Study of Awka South LGA)

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

• Background of the Study

Globalization is one of the most important topics in modern sociology. Giddens believes if we do not understand it and also not able to talk about it, we cannot master complex social phenomena (Giddens, 1999). The process of globalization with its components such as information and communication technologies (ICTs) has strong effects in the life of modern people, especially young people. In this process, large amounts of high-speed data are exchanged around the world. Youths come in contact with cultures, ideas, attitudes, behaviors and ways of life of different societies.

Information and communication technology (ICT) refers to tools, special devices or media that assist in information production, storage, reception, display and distribution. It also includes such gadgets as computers, micro processors, internet video disc, optic fibers, satellites, digital telephone, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and others used in Information Communication have become pervasive in modern society with individuals, organizations, institutions etc. stirring to tap from the potentials of this technology. Maduagwu (2003) lays credence to the fact that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has disadvantages which include invasion of privacy, loss of social life, high technological crime (internet fraud) and boost of pornography and deviant behavior. It also enables criminals to advance their coverage scope, techniques and tactics of carrying out their criminal activities sometimes undetected like cases of crimes involving Automated Teller Machines (A.T.M).

Juvenile delinquency is a social problem that permeates all societies of the world. There is no part of the world that can claim to be free from this social scourge, Societies face diverse challenges due to the activities of juveniles and this has led to classification of juveniles as obtained in western world into two groups: minor and majors, minors are juveniles between the age of ten and seventeen years. Individual psychology or behavior risk factors that may make offending more likely include, intelligence, Implausible, or the ability to delay gratification, aggression, empathy and restlessness (Farrington, 2002).

Modern researchers have shown that the child develops in a world of his own. His/her actions are inspired by motives which have no counterpart in the general known adult system of values. Juvenile delinquency has been studied more than other problems of children, primarily because it might lead to adult crime. The French criminal code of the 19th century admitted the principle that a minor is subjected to special consideration except in some cases where it is recognized that he had acted without realizing the gravity of his act. In urban areas, most juveniles engage in delinquent acts as a result of circumstances that are beyond their control. For instance, financial challenges of some parents in urban areas make them unable to provide adequate care for their children. Owing to this, the juveniles are sent out of school for not paying their school fees, instead of going home, some of them resort to loitering around the street till after school hours while others form a group and move to various locations. This is in line with the wise saying that “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop” In the course of doing this; they become vulnerable to delinquent acts which eventually may result to crimes if left unchecked.

Large amounts of high-speed data are exchanged around the world through ICT every day. Juveniles meet and experience new cultures, ideas, attitudes, behaviors and ways of life of different communities through the use of ICT. In the field of cultures and communities ICTs have created a powerful revolution. Since ICT is present everywhere and at all times in different fields of social life, its consequences have eventually become apparent. One result of this can be observed in juveniles’ criminal activities, violent scenes are mainly available to the juveniles for sale and many of them can be obtained at the lowest cost online, in the form of video games, music videos, and the like.

The process of development of social identity in the critical stage of juvenile’s life is very important, and this is the period in which the human personality and behavior take shape. Modern information and communication technologies such as the internet are tools for observation of documented issues that have been kept secret until now. Chat rooms, interactive games and porn sites on the internet, mobile phones and satellites TV have encouraged juvenile delinquent behaviour such as sexual crimes, vandalism, violence etc (Wesskerich and Murphy, 2004). It is against this background that the researcher sets on to examine the influence of ICT on juvenile delinquency in urban areas in Anambra State, with particular reference to Awka South Local Government Area.

• Statement of the Problem

Juvenile delinquency is a social problem urgently calling for immediate solution; just like an uncontrolled population will spell disaster in the third world countries so will an unchecked delinquent behavior of juveniles in urban areas spell disaster in the society. According to Gills (2001) socio-economic and behavior problems; including parental and home background, corrupt society, peer group interest, absence of religious and moral instructions, etc are alleged to have been responsible for juvenile delinquency. Merton (1957) argues that those living in areas characterized by rapid changes in the population, poverty and family disruption have limited opportunities to achieve things through legitimate means, so they react by seeking success through illegitimate means. The rate of juvenile delinquency over the years has increased greatly; this is as a result of civilization, globalization and modernization. Delinquent acts caused by ICT can be linked to but not limited to the following; the use of cell phones and unrestricted access to internet, emergence of new ICT technologies, unsupervised television watching, viewing of pornographic images, exposure to computer cyber crime and cyber crime related activities

Long before the emergence of Information and Communication Technologies, communication scholars have argued that there is a strong link between mass media and behavior problems of adolescents. Currently the use of ICTs by adolescents is a matter of concern, debate and reflection for many scholars, both nationally and internationally. This is because of the perceived relationship between adolescents and ICT that has the possibility of enhancing addictive behaviors that can corrupt personal and social development of the adolescents. It is a common
scenario to see youths fondle their cell phones all through the day carrying out various activities ranging from text messaging to playing games, browsing, chatting and watching films. Such constant use of the cell phone and internet facilities often lead to internet addiction. This unrestricted access to the internet might have been exposing the youths to some behaviors unacceptable to the society. It is not uncommon to see youths play violent games
with their cell phones, view pornographic and violence-oriented films/chat with all types of people across the globe, engage in premarital sex, rape, pornographic related behaviors, truancy and lots of cyber crimes . There is also remarkable increase in aggressive and violence related behaviour among youths.

Juveniles who use new technologies more than one hour per week, are more prone to commit delinquent acts. Some difference can be observed among vandalistic and delinquent behavior. Vandalistic behavior is more connected to the use of satellites than other media elements. Faces and images of the young on television can be strong factors in other young people’s socialization (Harwood & Anderson, 2002). The use of computer and chat rooms also has relatively strong effect with ICT vandalism, and also has the most relationship with new crimes. Overall; juveniles who chat online commit more crimes (delinquent acts) than others do. Finally, the regression model composed of old and new media indicates that new technologies have positive relationship with crime and its components (Vandalism and new delinquent behaviors) but old media, reading news-paper, magazines, books non-school texts, have negative relationship with vandalism and delinquent behaviors.

Researchers claim that attention deficit disorders in Juveniles are a result of watching television for long every day. They say that watching television leads to developmental disorders, affecting that faculty of the brain which is responsible for language skills. Unsupervised television watching in Juveniles can lead to early exposure to things they may not understand or may misinterpret. People watching television, especially juveniles start identifying with what is shown on TV, they relate to television shows and films to such an extent that they get bored of living a normal and simple life, they crave for fame and riches, and they yearn for living the lives of their favourite TV characters. This may lead juveniles to crave for power, money and status, and in the process they become pick pockets and petty thieves, drugs peddlers, mobile phone snatching, car lifting some even go as far as joining robbery gangs and carrying out robbery operations (Golchin, 2005). Studies in psychology have shown that watching intense emotions on television leaves a long-lasting impact on one’s mind. Violence, murder, bloodshed and physical abuse that are shown on television impact the thoughts and emotions of the spectators.  It seems that after viewing their movie heroes committing violent acts, the young viewers might believe that if their heroes can do it, so can they, and they end up engaging their peers in brawls and street fights. Most times these juveniles end up forming violent street gangs and engage in cultism thereby becoming a menace to the society. Phillips stated that usually in the days after heavy weight boxing competitions and wrestling matches are displayed on the television set; juvenile violence increases significantly (Phillips, 1983). Juvenile’s interactive nature and increasing realism, violent video games raise even more concerns about aggression in children than television programmes (Bluemke, Friedrich, & Zumbach, 2010). Violent video games became an issue for public debate in 1999 after teen assassins in Paducah, Kentucky, and Littleton, Colorado, seemed to mimic the carnage in the video games they had so often played. In 2002, two Grand Rapids, Michigan, teens and a man in his early twenties spent part of a night drinking alcohol and playing violent video games (Olson, 2009). Among other things, this particular game allows players to steal cars, run down pedestrians, and beat them to death with fists and other weapons. These three young men decided to go out driving themselves, spotted a 38-year old man on a bicycle, ran him down with their car, got out, stomped and punched him, and then returned home to play the game some more. The victim, a father of three, died six days later.

Juveniles also use their mobile phones to chat on different mobile chat platform and also watch pornography, research concerning the effects of watching constant pornography is concerned with multiple outcomes, such as juvenile engagement in rape cases, domestic violence, sexual dysfunction, difficulties with sexual relationships, and child sexual abuse. Some studies support the contention that the viewing of pornographic material may increase rates of sexual crimes. Delinquents who view pornographic images may exact sexual response to opposite sex on chat sites. Juveniles tend to meet up with other delinquents on different mobile platform, and they end up meeting to carry out delinquent activities, a good example is the report in Vanguard (2012) about the “2go” chat rape incidents, whereby a group of boys invited a girl who they met on “2go” chat over to their place, and ganged raped her while they recorded it on their mobile phone and later uploaded it on the internet. This is one of the series of other incidents that occurs frequently as a result of abuse of ICT and mobile phone devises. Bullying and abusive messages have been perceived as the major problem mediated by mobile phones. Bullying has been around forever. But for now with the new technology, bullying is taken to a new level. Cyber bullying is any kind of harassment, embarrassment through the use of cell phones and other interactive devises. It can be done by sending mean text messages or instant messages to others, posing as victim online, sending inappropriate photos, sending death threats, sending and uploading naked photos of other teens sneakily taken, etc.

The use of internet and modern ICT has also encouraged delinquents to take on advance fee fraud commonly known as yahoo yahoo. A lot of young people are common among the perpetrators of these criminal activities; they spend hours browsing and sometimes stay awake all night to carry out their nefarious activities (Kumar, 2003). According to Erhabor (2008) the people involved are mostly found within the ages of fifteen to thirty years, with the majority of them being delinquents. Erhabor stated that internet cyber crime covers a large range of illegal activity including financial scams, virus attacks, stalking and creating websites that promote hatred. In recent time, juveniles in secondary and tertiary schools engage in forgery of all kinds ranging from false admission paper to school fees receipts, certificates racketeering and examination malpractice that is, accessing useful information during examinations through the handset and other electronic devices. The internet has become a recruiting ground for teenage soldiers and terrorists for terror organizations through different social media platforms. Juveniles are easily converted and brainwashed by hate messages and are recruited to do the biddings of these crime syndicates. Also juveniles through the internet have resorted to sharing and downloading of digital music and movies without permission of the copyright holders (piracy).

Also the use of computer and computer software has increased delinquent acts amongst juveniles in Awka south LGA. The crime of hacking though the use of computers and some computer software’s has gained national attention in recent news. This crime entails modifying computer hardware or software with the purpose of gaining unauthorized access to other computers (Burden, 2013). The result of hacking can lead to financial loss, identity theft, etc. until recently the crime of computer hacking have been thought of as a crime committed by adults, however, it has been discovered that juveniles have begun to commit this type of crime as well. According to Roberts (2015) recent news coverage on a group of juveniles called “Anonymous” has brought heightened attention concerning juvenile’s capabilities of hacking. The teen consisting of teens hacked the private customer information of Sony play station’s network, the group continued their exploit by attacking federal agencies and local law enforcement agencies. This resulted in sensitive information being exposed, and the result was detrimental.

The inability to effectively control the flow of information on the internet, satellite, and alike, and the inability of the families to effectively control their youth’s usage of these technologies, and their lack of knowledge about the mechanism of these technologies, has led to less effective social  supervision of the young people’s usage of these tools. According to Khan (2006) these new technologies and their advantages have been expanding and spreading in an accelerating rate in our society. It seems that with the expansion of these technologies, preventing their use is not only impossible, but would not even be rational as well. These technologies are becoming a necessity of life and a requirement of modern societies. Government and families have not yet deemed it necessary to teach these young ones about the positive use of ICT and find an effective way to prevent the abuse of these technologies by juveniles.

It is in view of the above problems that this work is undertaken to examine the effects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on juvenile delinquency in urban areas in Anambra State with particular reference to Awka South L.G.A.

• Research Questions

The following research questions have been formulated to guide the study.

1. To what extent does the use of mobile phones influences delinquent acts amongst juveniles in Awka South LGA?
2. What is the relationship between the use of the internet and increasing cases of juvenile delinquency in Awka South LGA?
3. How does viewing of certain programmes on the cable network influences delinquent act amongst juveniles in Awka South LGA?
4. To what extent have the increasing use of computers and computer software’s influenced delinquent acts amongst juveniles in Awka South LGA?
5. What policy options could be put in place to reduce the negative impact of ICT on Juveniles in Awka South LGA?
   • Objectives of the Study

The objectives of this study can be divided into two, the general and specific objectives. The general objective is to examine the influence of ICT in encouraging juvenile delinquent behavior among juveniles in urban areas in Anambra State with particular reference to Awka South L.G.A. The specific objectives are;

1. To identify how the use of mobile phones influences delinquent acts amongst juveniles in Awka South LGA.
2. To examine the relationship between the use of the internet and increasing cases of juvenile delinquency in Awka South LGA.
3. To determine how viewing of certain programmes on the cable network influences delinquent act amongst juveniles in Awka South LGA.
4. To examine how the increasing use of computers and computer software’s influences delinquent acts amongst juveniles in Awka South LGA.
5. To determine the policy options that could be put in place to reduce the negative impact of ICT on Juveniles in Awka South LGA.
   • Significance of the Study

Theoretically, the study will add to existing literature on effects of information and communication technology on juvenile delinquency in urban areas. This will be very useful to students and other researchers that will in future investigate or do further studies on it. This work stands as a body of knowledge to different people from all works of life especially those concerned with and all those in academics who might want to research further in this area.

Practically, this study will help the government, social welfare unit, police, teachers, parents, students, social workers, community development workers, to understand the need to tackle the problem of the effects of information communication technology on juvenile delinquency. It is also hoped that the study will strengthen the efforts of these stakeholders to make polices that will help in the reduction of effects of information communication technology on juvenile delinquency. This study will also encourage both government and non-governmental organizations to organize campaigns, workshops and seminars geared towards reducing the effects of information communication technology on juvenile delinquency.

• Definition of Terms

In this section, the major terms used in this work are defined for easy understanding. The terms are as follows;

Advertisement – it is a commercial solicitation designed to sell some commodity and services in newspapers or magazines, on radio or television etc.

Aggression- this can be defined as the practice or habit of launching attacks.

Automated Teller Machines (ATM)– It is an electronic banking outlet, which allows customers to complete basic transactions without the aid of a branch representative or teller.

Cable Network- this refers to television received through coaxial cables

Communication– This is the activity or process of expressing ideas and feelings or of giving people information.

Computer- This can be defined as a programmable electronic device that performs mathematical calculations and logical operations, especially one that that can process, store and retrieve large amount of data very quickly.

Computer Software- this refers to an encoded computer instruction usually modifiable.

Crime- this refers to a specific act committed in violation of the law.

Cybercrime: this can be defined as all unlawful activities involving computer and internet.

Delinquency– It is the bad or law breaking behavior of young members of the society.

Globalization-This is a process whereby, societies, communities and Individuals are increasingly interconnected around the world, whereby social processes in one part of the world impact on those in other parts.

Global System of Mobile Communication (GSM) – this is an open, digital cellular technology used for transmitting data.

Information– this can be define as the act of informing or imparting knowledge; notification.

Internet – this can be defined as set of computer networks that communicate using a communication protocol that enables networking among a large number of computers by providing the basis for packet switching, routing, addressing and other essential functions of the net.

Juvenile – this is a person who is under the age of 16 and 17 in some countries; it also refers to a person who had attained the age between 10 and 17.

Juvenile delinquency– It is the anti-social behavior  of young people usually under the ages of 17 that are not approved by the society ( such as stealing smoking , truancy , lateness to school , sexual harassment etc).

Mobile phones: This can be defined as a portable telephone that connects with the telephone network over radio wave transmission.

Pornography- this can be refers to as the explicit depiction of sexual subject matter; a display of material of an erotic nature.  

Society: this refers to a long standing group of people sharing cultural aspects such as language, dress, norms of behavior and artistic form.

Sex crime- this refers to any form of sexual act in violation of the law

Technology– This refers to the organization of knowledge for practical purposes.

Television– This is an electronic communication medium that allows the transmission of real-time visual images, and often sound.

Urbanization– this can be defined as the process of building towns and cities or making them large or the process of improving the building etc or city.

Violence: this refers to the action which causes destruction, pain or suffering.

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