Analytical model of adolescents’ dangerous behaviour formation in the internet space

Context and relevance. The Internet provides children and adolescents with great information and communication opportunities, but at the same time, it becomes a significant factor in their dangerous behavior online and offline. It is necessary to conceptualize this phenomenon in order to conduct scientific and practical research and development with a wide coverage of the complex of factors, including the Internet, that determine the criminalization and victimization of children and adolescents. Objective. To develop a comprehensive model of the formation of adolescents dangerous behavior in the Internet space. Research method. Theoretical analysis and model construction based on literary data and materials of complex forensic psychological and psychiatric examinations (CFPE) of juvenile defendants and victims in the context of crimes committed in the Internet environment. Results. The article describes the process of formation of dangerous behavior in children and adolescents in the Internet space, dividing the factors operating in it into potential (formative) and current (situational, provoking). In the area of potential factors, based on the concept of ecological systems by W. Bronfenbrenner and the biopsychosocial approach by G. Engel, four levels of factor are distinguished. The levels are associated with the spheres, the study of which in the offline and online planes allows us to identify the prerequisites for the vulnerability of minors and their readiness for risky and dangerous behavior. The current factors, including Internet influences, transform potential readiness and vulnerability into the implementation of dangerous actions, victimization and criminalization of adolescents. Conclusions. The proposed model opens perspectives for further studies of various options for dangerous behavior of minors in the context of the influence of the Internet environment, increasing the effectiveness of forensic psychological and psychiatric examination of minors, developing criteria and tools for assessing the risk of dangerous behavior, as well as measures for its prevention.