Developing Youth toward a Virtuous Society through Awareness of Technology related Crime DOI:

Abstract

This research, “Youth Development toward a Moral Society through Awareness of Technology-Related Crimes,” aimed to: 1) examine the general conditions of digital morality and awareness of technology-related crimes among youth; 2) develop a process for enhancing moral-based digital citizenship skills; and 3) propose a process-oriented approach for developing youth into socially responsible digital citizens. The study employed an Action Research methodology and was collaboratively conducted by the Program of Business and Human Capital Development, North Bangkok University, and the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD). The target group consisted of 480 youths from six schools in Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi provinces. Research instruments included pre-test and post-test questionnaires measuring digital morality and awareness of technology-related crimes, behavioral observation forms, and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, pre–post difference tests, and holistic content analysis.

         The findings revealed that prior to participation, youths demonstrated a moderate to good level of digital morality but lacked behavioral application in real-life situations, while their knowledge of technology-related crimes remained at a basic level. After participating in the experiential learning process, the mean scores for digital morality and awareness of technology-related crimes significantly increased (p < .05), particularly in the dimensions of responsible digital media use, risk awareness, and ethical decision-making. Qualitative analysis reflected three holistic outcomes: 1) a shift in attitudes from passive technology users to critical users; 2) the integration of moral principles with real-life cyber situations; and 3) the emergence of self-protective and prosocial behaviors in digital environments.

         The new body of knowledge derived from this study is a Moral-Based Digital Citizenship Development Model, consisting of four core stages: 1) building foundational knowledge of cyber threats and digital morality; 2) experiential learning through simulations of real-world situations; 3) ethical analysis and decision-making in digital contexts; and 4) strengthening learning networks among families, schools, communities, and government agencies. This model serves as a practical process framework for developing Thai youth into morally grounded, responsible digital citizens capable of coexisting sustainably with technology.