Influence of Parental Roles on Adolescents' Involvement in Internet Fraud in Ede Local Government of Osun State

Abstract

Internet fraud has become a growing concern, particularly among
adolescents in Nigeria, driven by increased smartphone and
internet access with its detrimental effects on the society. This
study explored how parental roles influence adolescents'
involvement in internet fraud in Ede South Local Government,
Osun State. A mixed-method approach was used, with data
collected from 250 adolescents aged 12-19 through multistage and
snowball sampling. The Parenting Roles and Dimensions
Questionnaire (PRDQ) was employed to assess parental
involvement, focusing on communication, rule-setting, and
monitoring of online activity. Descriptive and inferential statistics
were used for analysis. The findings revealed that active parental
involvement, including frequent communication about internet
fraud risks and consistent monitoring, was associated with a lower
likelihood of adolescents engaging in internet fraud. Conversely,
permissive parenting, marked by minimal rules and enforcement,
was linked to higher participation in fraud. The study therefore
highlighted the critical role of parenting in shaping adolescents'
online behaviour. It stressed the importance of parental
engagement in fostering responsible internet use and protecting
adolescents from online risks, calling for targeted educational
initiatives to equip parents with effective strategies for
safeguarding their children in the digital age.