The Moderating Effect between Cyber Victimization and Cyber Offending

Abstract

This study intends to test the effect of cyber victimization on cyber offending and investigates which variables operate moderating effects. This study uses six moderating variables such as low self-control, attitudes toward cyber delinquency, parental support, peer support, self-esteem, and the perceived opportunity of cyber delinquency. Using data from 353 elementary, middle, and high school student in Kyunggi area, the study tests the interaction effects of cyber victimization and moderating variables on cyber offending. Results show that the interaction effect between cyber victimization and low self-control is not significant. However, the interaction effect between cyber victimization and attitude towards cyber delinquency is positively significant. In addition, the interaction effect between cyber victimization and peer support is negatively significant, while the interaction effect between cyber victimization and parental support is positively significant. It is also found that the interaction effect between cyber victimization and self-esteem is negatively significant. It is revealed that the moderating effect of the perceived opportunity is the most significant. The policy implications are discussed.