Online Victimization of Minors: a Criminological Analysis

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the phenomenon of the online victimization of minors from a criminological perspective, considering the rapid expansion of digital technologies and their integration into the daily lives of children and adolescents. The study examines the main forms of digital victimization, such as cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, grooming, as well as exposure to harmful content, highlighting the specific characteristics of these manifestations in relation to the offline environment. The analytical approach focuses on identifying the criminogenic factors that facilitate the victimization of minors in the virtual space, including anonymity, increased accessibility, lack of effective parental control, and a low level of digital literacy. At the same time, the study considers offender typologies and the mechanisms through which they exploit age-specific vulnerabilities, such as the need for social validation or the lack of experience in risk assessment. From a theoretical perspective, the analysis is grounded in relevant criminological models, such as routine activity theory, opportunity theory, and social control perspectives, adapted to the digital context. These explanatory frameworks enable a better understanding of the dynamics of online interactions and the ways in which the virtual environment becomes conducive to acts of victimization. The article also highlights the psychological and social consequences of online victimization on minors, emphasizing both the short-term and long-term impact on their development. Finally, directions for prevention and intervention are outlined, with emphasis on the role of digital education, family, institutions, and the legal framework in reducing risks and protecting minors. Through its integrated approach, the paper contributes to a better understanding of the phenomenon in the contemporary context and provides useful benchmarks for the development of public policies and effective strategies for preventing crimes targeting minors in the online environment. UDC: [343.62:343.43]:004.738.5; JEL: K14, K42, D91